Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| meta | /ˈmɛ.tɐ/ (Brazil) /ˈmɛ.tɐ/ (Portugal) |
feminine |
| objetivo | /o.bi.ʒeˈt͡ʃi.vu/ (Brazil) /ob.ʒeˈt͡ʃi.vu/ (Brazil) |
masculine |
Both words refer to a result that one is attempting to achieve. Propósito is also a formal term used to emphasize the notion of purpose or intention behind a goal.
Which one should you use?
While both mean goal, meta is often used in business or mathematical contexts to refer to a specific target or quota to be reached. Objetivo is a more general term for a goal or purpose and is frequently used in everyday conversation to ask about someone's intentions.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine noun meta becomes metas in the plural. The masculine noun objetivo becomes objetivos in the plural.
How do you pronounce it?
The word meta is pronounced as /ˈmɛ.tɐ/. The stress is on the first of the two syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use meta or objetivo to refer to a goal scored in a soccer match. In a sports context, the word is gol.
Did you know?
- The Latin root of meta originally referred to the 'turning spot' in an arena, rather than a result or an end point.
- The Portuguese word gol for a sports goal is a direct phonetic adaptation of the English word 'goal'.
- While propósito is a formal synonym for goal, it is often used in the phrase de propósito, which means 'on purpose' or 'intentionally'.
Examples in context
- Qual é o objetivo?What's the goal?This sentence is useful for asking what the goal is using objetivo.Tatoeba #576958 by brauliobezerra, translation #5008947 by CK
- Qual é seu objetivo?What's your goal?This sentence is useful for asking what someone's goal is using objetivo.Tatoeba #5394760 by bill, translation #2234173 by CK
- É este seu objetivo?Is that your goal?This sentence is useful for asking if something is someone's goal using objetivo.Tatoeba #8591832 by arademaker, translation #2897082 by megamanenm
- Meu objetivo é aprender a língua portuguesa até o final do ano.My goal is to learn the Portuguese language by the end of the year.
- Minha meta é economizar dinheiro para uma viagem de férias.My goal is to save money for a vacation trip.
- Meu propósito é alcançar sucesso profissional e pessoal.My goal is to achieve professional and personal success.
- Meu objetivo profissional é ser promovido até o fim do ano.My professional goal is to be promoted by the end of the year.
- Minha meta acadêmica é alcançar notas altas em todas as matérias.My academic goal is to achieve high grades in all subjects.
- Meu propósito é manter uma alimentação saudável e fazer exercícios regularmente.My goal is to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
- 113 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing their long-term career plans.
- MarianaQual é a sua meta para este ano?What is your goal for this year?
- FelipeMinha meta é ser promovido.My goal is to be promoted.
- MarianaVocê é muito focado, Felipe.You are very focused, Felipe.
- FelipeObrigado, Mariana. Eu me esforço muito.Thank you, Mariana. I work very hard.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goal” translations and entries meta, objetivo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries meta, objetivo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
