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    Chinese Grammar

    Referring to a motive with 动机 (dòngjī)

    Purpose & Reason

    Structure

    Modifier + 动机

    Explanation

    The noun 动机 (dòngjī) means "motive" or "motivation" and refers to the underlying reason or intention behind an action. It often appears in legal, psychological, or analytical contexts when examining why someone did something.

    Examples

    • 警察还在调查嫌疑人的犯罪动机。

      jǐngchá hái zài diàochá xiányírén de fànzuì dòngjī.

      The police are still investigating the suspect's criminal motive.

    • 他学习的动机很简单,就是想找个好工作。

      tā xuéxí de dòngjī hěn jiǎndān, jiùshì xiǎng zhǎo ge hǎo gōngzuò.

      His motivation for studying is simple — he just wants to find a good job.

    • 了解消费者的购买动机对企业来说很重要。

      liǎojiě xiāofèizhě de gòumǎi dòngjī duì qǐyè lái shuō hěn zhòngyào.

      Understanding consumers' purchasing motivations is very important for businesses.

    Referring to a motive with 动机 (dòngjī) | Chinese Grammar