目的
mokuteki[mo̞kɯ̟̊te̞kʲi]
In Japanese, 'aim' (as a noun meaning intention or purpose) can be expressed as 目的 (mokuteki) or 目標.
Meaning: intention, purpose (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 目的 | mokuteki | [mo̞kɯ̟̊te̞kʲi] (narrow) |
| 目標 | mokuhyō | [mo̞kɯ̟̊ço̞ː] (narrow) |
The term 目的 is used to describe the underlying purpose or the reason why someone does something.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 目的 (mokuteki) is composed of the characters 目 (eye) and 的 (target/mark), which literally translates to 'the target of one's eyes' or the point one is looking toward.
Which one should you use?
While both can mean 'aim', 目標 (mokuhyō) refers to a specific, measurable goal or a target one strives to reach. In contrast, 目的 (mokuteki) refers more to the underlying purpose or reason for doing something.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
mokuteki
Did you know?
- The character 的 in 目的 also means 'target' in the sense of archery. It refers to the physical circular target used in traditional Japanese kyūdō.
- In Japanese business culture, 目標 is often used to set 'quotas' that are expected to be exceeded, rather than just reached.
- The term 目標 (mokuhyō) is often used in business settings to discuss 'KPIs' or specific 'targets', whereas 目的 is used for the 'mission' or 'vision' behind the business.
Examples in context
- それが私の目標なんだ。That's my aim.This sentence shows the use of 目標 to express a personal aim.Tatoeba #8894428 by bunbuku, translation #2256888 by CK
- 彼はついに目的を果たした。He achieved his aim at last.This sentence demonstrates using 目的 with the verb 'to achieve'.Tatoeba #111887 by bunbuku, translation #291790 by CM
- 彼は留学という目的を達成した。He achieved his aim of studying abroad.This sentence shows how to express a specific aim using 目的.Tatoeba #99013 by bunbuku, translation #1316143 by CK
- 彼は将来、有名な作家になる目標を持っています。He has an aim to become a famous writer in the future.
- 私は大学でエンジニアを目指しています。I am aiming to become an engineer in university.
- 俺、将来有名なミュージシャンを目指すんだ。I aim to become a famous musician in the future.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two university students are discussing their plans for a study abroad program.
- 陽葵 Himari留学の目的は何ですか？Ryūgaku no mokuteki wa nan desu ka?What is the purpose of your study abroad?
- 大翔 Hiroto現地の文化を学ぶことです。Genchi no bunka o manabu koto desu.It is to learn the local culture.
- 陽葵 Himariそれは素晴らしい目的ですね。Sore wa subarashii mokuteki desu ne.That is a wonderful purpose.
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、頑張ります。Hai, ganbarimasu.Yes, I will do my best.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “aim” translations and entries 目的, 目標, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
