Synonym Comparison
The Nuance Difference: "意向" vs "動機"
Master the exact conceptual boundary between these Japanese terms.
Japanese Term A
意向
いこう (ikou)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Term B
動機
どうき (douki)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
In Japanese, both 意向 and 動機 are often translated to English but have distinct usages.
意向 (いこう (ikou)) represents "intention, inclination, wishes" (Level: N2) and typically represents Often refers to one's wishes or thoughts that are about to be expressed or are indirectly expressed, especially in a formal context or when asking for someone's preference. 相手の考えや希望、意見などを尋ねる際によく用いられ、より丁寧なニュアンスがあります。具体的な「意図」よりも、一般的な「考え」や「方向性」を示すことが多いです。.
On the other hand, 動機 (どうき (douki)) translates to "motive, incentive, reason" (Level: N2) and is used for The underlying reason or impulse that leads someone to act in a certain way, often used in legal or psychological contexts. ある行動や選択をするに至った心理的な理由や原因を指します。特に、犯罪などの行為の背景にあるものとして使われることが多いです。. Mixing these up can sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers!
Bilingual Sentence for "意向"
お客様の意向を伺ってから、最終決定をいたします。
We will make a final decision after confirming the customer's wishes.
Bilingual Sentence for "動機"
彼が会社を辞めた動機は、新しい挑戦をしたいからだそうだ。
The motive for him quitting the company seems to be a desire for a new challenge.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "お客様の ＿＿＿ を伺ってから、最終決定をいたします。" (Meaning: "We will make a final decision after confirming the customer's wishes.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "意向" fits here because it represents "intention, inclination, wishes" in the context: "We will make a final decision after confirming the customer's wishes.".