vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Motivo" is a noun which is often translated as "reason", and "razón" is a noun which is also often translated as "reason". Learn more about the difference between "motivo" and "razón" below.
el motivo(
moh
-
tee
-
boh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (motivation)
a. reason
Ellos no tiene motivo para invertir dinero si no van a beneficiarse de ello.They don't have any reason to invest money if they're not going to benefit from it.
b. cause
La muerte del dictador era motivo para celebrar en todo el país.The death of the dictator was cause for celebration across the country.
c. motive
Este sospechoso no tiene motivo para matar y, además, encaja su coartada.This suspect doesn't have a motive to kill and, also, his alibi checks out.
2. (music)
a. motif
Este es un motivo recurrente que se repite a través de la sinfonía.This is a recurring motif that is repeated throughout the symphony.
3. (fine arts)
a. motif
La pared y los muebles de la habitación estaban pintados con un motivo de estrellas.The bedroom walls and furniture were painted with a star motif.
la razón(
rrah
-
sohn
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (sanity)
a. reason
¡Traté de convencerlo pero no quiere entrar en razón!I tried to convince him but he doesn't want to listen to reason.
2. (cause)
3. (truth)
a. right
Te doy la razón. Debíamos de haber comprado los boletos más temprano.You were right. We should have bought the tickets earlier.
a. ratio
Hay más mujeres en esta ciudad que hombres, a razón de diez por cada uno.There are more women in this city than men, at a ratio of ten to every one.
5. (colloquial) (note)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
