but
/byt/masculine
In French, 'goal' can be translated as but or objectif.
Meaning: result one is attempting to achieve (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| but | /byt/ | masculine |
| objectif | /ɔb.ʒɛk.tif/ | masculine |
The word refers to a result that one is attempting to achieve. You can use the phrase marquer un but to mean 'to score a goal'.
Which one should you use?
Use but when referring to a physical goal in sports or a specific, concrete aim. Use objectif when referring to a more abstract, professional or long-term goal.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/byt/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may confuse the French word but with the English conjunction 'but' (however). In French, but is pronounced /byt/ and means goal.
Did you know?
- In French, the word objectif is used both for a life goal and for the lens of a camera.
- The pronunciation of but includes a final /t/ sound that was partially restored over time due to the influence of the related word butte.
Examples in context
- Quel est le but ?What's the goal?This sentence is useful for asking what the goal is.Tatoeba #7790930 by Aiji, translation #5008947 by CK
- J'ai marqué un but.I scored a goal.This sentence is useful for saying you scored a goal.Tatoeba #7763077 by sacredceltic, translation #2406221 by CK
- Il nous faut un but.We need a goal.This sentence is useful for expressing that a goal is needed.Tatoeba #4749757 by lovasoa, translation #4501170 by CK
- Notre objectif est d'augmenter les ventes de 20%.Our goal is to increase sales by 20%.
- Le but de cette étude est d'analyser les effets du changement climatique.The goal of this study is to analyze the effects of climate change.
- Mon but ce soir est d'aller voir ce nouveau film.My goal tonight is to go watch this new movie.
- Mon but ultime est de voyager à travers le monde.My ultimate goal is to travel around the world.
- 157 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are discussing their study plans.
- HugoLéa, quel est le but de ton projet ?Léa, what is the goal of your project?
- LéaMon but est d'apprendre le japonais.My goal is to learn Japanese.
- HugoC'est un but très ambitieux !That is a very ambitious goal!
- LéaOui, mais je vais y arriver.Yes, but I will get there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goal” translations and entries but, objectif, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries but, objectif, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
