ゴール
gōru[ɡo̞ːɾɯ̟]
In Japanese, the word for goal is ゴール (gōru). Wiktionary also lists 目標 (mokuhyō) and 目的 (mokuteki).
Meaning: result one is attempting to achieve (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ゴール | gōru | [ɡo̞ːɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 目標 | mokuhyō | [mo̞kɯ̟̊ço̞ː] (narrow) |
| 目的 | mokuteki | [mo̞kɯ̟̊te̞kʲi] (narrow) |
Japanese uses different words for a goal depending on whether you are referring to a measurable target, an underlying purpose or a physical finish line. To express the act of scoring a goal, you can use the phrase ゴールを決める.
Which one should you use?
目標 is used for a specific target or milestone one aims for, such as a numerical target or a physical destination. In contrast, 目的 refers to the underlying purpose or the 'why' behind an action. ゴール is primarily used for a physical finish line in a race or a goal scored in sports like soccer.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
For example, 目標を達成する means to achieve a goal, while 目的を達成する means to achieve a purpose.
How do you pronounce it?
gōru
Did you know?
- In many Japanese workplaces, a 'goal' is often referred to as a ノルマ, a word borrowed from Russian that implies a strict, mandatory quota.
- Using 目的 in a social context can sometimes sound overly blunt or suspicious, as if you are asking someone for their 'hidden motive'.
- When someone says they have a 'goal' in the sense of a life mission, they might use the term 志 (kokorozashi), which carries a much deeper, more spiritual weight than the standard 'goal' words.
Examples in context
- 本当の目標は何？What's the real goal?This sentence asks about a real 目標.Tatoeba #10008430 by Sim5634, translation #8510955 by CK
- 目標は一等賞です。The goal is the first prize.This sentence describes a 目標 as the first prize.Tatoeba #11211496 by ITA, translation #13315334 by Ag12x
- 彼女は目的を達した。She achieved her goal.This sentence uses 目的 to describe someone who achieved their goal.Tatoeba #86501 by bunbuku, translation #389034 by CK
- 52 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Himari are talking about their study plans.
- 陽太 Yota今週のゴールは、この本を読み終えることだ。Konshū no gōru wa, kono hon o yomioeru koto da.My goal for this week is to finish reading this book.
- 陽葵 Himariそれはいいゴールだと思うよ。Sore wa ii gōru da to omou yo.I think that is a good goal.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵は何かゴールがある？Himari wa nanika gōru ga aru?Do you have a goal, Himari?
- 陽葵 Himari私は漢字を10個覚えるのがゴールだよ。Watashi wa kanji o jukko oboeru no ga gōru dayo.My goal is to memorize ten kanji characters.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goal” translations and entries ゴール, 目標, 目的, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
