目標 / 目标
mùbiāo
The English word 'goal' can be translated into Chinese as 目標 / 目标 (mùbiāo) or 目的.
Meaning: result one is attempting to achieve (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 目標 / 目标 | mùbiāo |
| 目的 | mùdì |
In Chinese, the term for 'goal' depends on whether you are discussing a measurable target or an underlying intention. Additionally, if you are referring to a goal in a sports context, such as scoring in soccer, use the verb 進球 / 进球 instead.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 目標 / 目标 is composed of 目 (eye) and 標 (mark/sign), which literally means 'eye-mark' or something one sets one's eyes upon.
Which one should you use?
目標 / 目标 is used for a specific target, objective or a milestone that is often concrete or measurable. In contrast, 目的 refers more to the underlying purpose, intention or the 'why' behind an action.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
mùbiāo
Did you know?
- The word 目標 / 目标 is actually an orthographic borrowing from Japanese, where it is written with the same characters.
- When discussing a 'life goal', Chinese speakers often use 理想 'lǐxiǎng', which translates more closely to 'ideal' or 'dream'.
- In a professional setting, using 目的 might make your statement sound like you are revealing your hidden motives or ulterior motives.
Examples in context
- 这是我的目的。That's my goal.Tatoeba #9961355 by GlossaMatik, translation #2256892 by CK
- 他買土地的目的是要造房子。His goal in buying land is to build a house.Tatoeba #5114821 by xjjAstrus, translation #5165044 by shibeilei
- 我的目的是幫助他審視這段人生。My goal is to help him navigate this stage of life.Tatoeba #13959030 by LeviHighway, translation #13228016 by Nuel
- 我的目标是成为一名优秀的工程师。My goal is to become an excellent engineer.
- 公司的目标是扩展国际市场。The company's goal is to expand the international market.
- 他的目标是成为一个著名的音乐家。His goal is to become a famous musician.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goal” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 目標, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
