"motive" in Chinese (Simplified)

• 动机
• 原因

Definition

Motive 指某人做某事的原因，尤其是某个行为背后真实的或隐藏的原因。这个词常用于谈论犯罪、决定或人的行为。

Usage Notes (Chinese (Simplified))

这个词语气中性，但在正式语境和刑侦语境中非常常见，比如 'a motive for murder'、'financial motive'。不要和 'motivation' 混淆：motive 往往指具体的原因，常带有隐藏或可疑的意味；而 'motivation' 更广，也常更偏正面。

Examples

The police could not find a clear motive for the attack.

警方找不到这次袭击的明确**动机**。

Money was his main motive for lying.

钱是他说谎的主要**动机**。

She asked him what his motive was.

她问他，他的**动机**是什么。

I’m not saying she did it, but her motive looks pretty obvious.

我不是说就是她做的，但她的**动机**看起来相当明显。

Without a strong motive, the whole story falls apart.

没有有力的**动机**，整个说法就站不住脚了。

His sudden apology made me wonder about his real motive.

他突然道歉，让我怀疑他真正的**动机**。