Usage Note
Motivar is a regular -ar verb meaning both 'to motivate' a person and 'to cause' or 'to be the reason for' an event — ¿qué motivó la decisión? (what motivated/caused the decision?). The adjective motivado (motivated) is common in workplace and educational contexts. The reflexive motivarse implies self-motivation.
Examples
"El entrenador sabe motivar a sus jugadores."
Natural Translation
The coach knows how to motivate his players.
Related Words
Explore Spanish by topic
SpanishNow
6 min read