motivation
/mo.ti.va.sjɔ̃/
The English phrase "motivation" is translated into French as motivation.
motivation is a noun used to describe the reason for doing something.
Meaning: reason for doing something (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/mo.ti.va.sjɔ̃/
Did you know?
- The word motivation is frequently used in French job interviews as a formal heading for a 'letter of motivation' lettre de motivation, which is the standard term for a cover letter.
- While 'motivation' in English often refers to an internal emotional drive, in French legal contexts, motivation refers to the written statement of reasons justifying a court's decision.
- In French, 'avoir de la motivation' (to have motivation) is often used, but to express a 'reason' for a specific action, one might prefer the word motif.
Examples in context
- Il manque de motivation.He lacks motivation.This sentence shows how to express a lack of motivation using motivation.Tatoeba #127390 by TRANG, translation #293191 by CK
- Quelle est ta motivation ?What's your motivation?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's reason or motive using motivation.Tatoeba #7971089 by Aiji, translation #2234177 by CK
- J'ai perdu toute ma motivation.I lost all my motivation.This sentence demonstrates how to say one has lost all their motivation using motivation.Tatoeba #8034630 by Aiji, translation #11559680 by weirdie
- La motivation est une clé du succès.Motivation is a key to success.
- Il a fait preuve de beaucoup de zèle dans son travail.He showed a lot of motivation in his work.
- Je suis plein(e) de gniaque pour mon prochain projet !I'm full of motivation for my next project!
- J'ai la patate pour aller courir ce matin !I'm motivated to go for a run this morning!
- Je suis complètement boosté(e) pour cette compétition !I'm completely motivated for this competition!
- La motivation est le carburant de l'accomplissement.Motivation is the fuel of achievement.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are discussing their study habits.
- LucasJe ne peux pas étudier ce soir.I cannot study tonight.
- LéaTu n'as plus de motivation, Lucas ?Do you have no more motivation, Lucas?
- LucasOui, je suis vraiment fatigué.Yes, I am really tired.
- LéaTrouve une bonne motivation pour finir.Find a good motivation to finish.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry motivation, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
