motivo
nounCEFR B2
What does “motivo” mean in English?
1.motive, reason — the reason behind an action or decision; also a recurring theme in art
motive, reason — the reason behind an action or decision; also a recurring theme in art (motivos personales; sin motivo aparente)
2.theme, motif — a recurring subject or idea in artistic work; a topic of focus
theme, motif — a recurring subject or idea in artistic work; a topic of focus (el motivo literario; motivo conductor)
Example sentences
Los investigadores estudian los motivos que llevan a personas estables económicamente a cometer delitos.
Researchers study the motives that lead economically stable people to commit crimes.
Con motivo de la Semana del Libro, la biblioteca organiza talleres para todos los grupos de edad.
On the occasion of Book Week, the library is organising workshops for all age groups.
Abandonó el proyecto sin dar ningún motivo, lo que creó incertidumbre en el equipo.
She left the project without giving any reason, which created uncertainty in the team.
How to use it
El motivo (noun, masculine) means 'motive', 'reason', or 'cause'. Key collocations: con motivo de (on the occasion of); sin motivo (without reason); motivo de preocupación; motivos personales/económicos; el motivo principal. Distinguish from causa (cause — the preceding factor) and razón (reason — a logical justification). Con motivo de is a formal fixed phrase meaning 'on the occasion of' — very common in official and journalistic Spanish.
Common mistake
Con motivo de + noun (on the occasion of) — do not confuse with con la intención de (with the intention of). Motivo (motive/reason) ≠ razón (logical argument/reasoning). Sin motivo = without reason/without cause. In music, motivo = motif (recurring musical theme) — a B2 cultural-studies sense.