목표
mokpyo[mo̞k̚pʰjo]
The English word 'goal' can be translated into Korean as 목표 (mokpyo). Wiktionary also lists 목적 (mokjeok) and 골 (gol).
Meaning: result one is attempting to achieve (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 목표 | mokpyo | [mo̞k̚pʰjo] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 목적 | mokjeok | [mo̞k̚t͡ɕ͈ʌ̹k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 골 | gol | [ko̞(ː)ɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ko̞ɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
In Korean, the word you choose for 'goal' depends on whether you are discussing an abstract objective, a underlying purpose or a score in a sport. You can use the phrase 골을 넣다 to mean 'to score a goal' in a sports context.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 목표 is composed of two parts that literally mean 'mark for the eye'.
Which one should you use?
목표 is used for a specific target or objective one aims to reach. In contrast, 목적 refers more to the underlying purpose or reason for an action. Finally, 골 is a loanword used specifically in the context of sports, such as soccer, to mean a physical goal or a scored point.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The most natural way to express 'achieving a goal' is to use the verb 달성하다 with 목표.
How do you pronounce it?
mokpyo
Did you know?
- The word 목적 is a homonym with another word meaning 'shepherd's flute'.
- In Korean, the concept of 'goal' or 'purpose' is linguistically tied to the 'eye'. Both 목표 and 목적 contain a character that means 'eye'.
Examples in context
- 그게 내 오늘의 목표야.That's my goal today.This sentence shows how to use 목표 to state a daily objective.Tatoeba #8533749 by Eunhee, translation #8511292 by CK
- 중요한 건 목적지가 아니라 과정이야.What's important is not the goal, but the journey.This sentence uses 목적 to emphasize the importance of a purpose or reason.Tatoeba #13761898 by qlTmalffk, translation #1892317 by CK
- 진짜 목표는 뭐야?What's the real goal?This sentence shows how to ask about a specific 목표.Tatoeba #8533783 by Eunhee, translation #8510955 by CK
- 회사의 목표는 고객 만족도를 최대한으로 높이는 것입니다.The company's goal is to maximize customer satisfaction.
- 나의 목적은 운동을 통해 건강을 유지하는 것이야.My goal is to maintain my health through exercise.
- 우리 목적은 함께 여행을 하며 즐거운 시간을 보내는 거야.Our goal is to have a great time together while traveling.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Jieun are talking about their New Year's resolutions.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은 씨, 올해 새로운 목표가 있어요?Jieun ssi, olhae saeroun mokpyoga isseoyo?Jieun, do you have a new goal for this year?
- 지은 Ji-eun제 목표는 외국어 공부를 하는 거예요.Je mokpyoneun oegugeo gongbureul haneun geoyeyo.My goal is to study a foreign language.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말 멋진 목표네요!Jeongmal meotjin mokpyoneyo!That is a really cool goal!
- 지은 Ji-eun감사해요. 현우 씨는 어때요?Gamsahaeyo. Hyunwoo ssi-neun eottaeyo?Thank you. How about you, Hyunwoo?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goal” translations and entries 목표, 목적, 골, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 골, 목적, 목표, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
