мета́
metáfeminine
The English word 'goal' translates to Ukrainian as мета́ (metá) or ціль.
Meaning: result one is attempting to achieve (noun)
Ways to say it
| Ukrainian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| мета́ | metá | feminine | |
| ціль | cilʹ | [t͡sʲilʲ] (narrow) | feminine |
Both forms refer to a result one is attempting to achieve. However, when discussing sports like football (soccer), do not use these words. Instead, use го́л to refer to a goal scored.
Which one should you use?
The choice between the two words depends on what kind of goal you mean. Use мета́ for abstract, long-term aims or life purposes. Use ціль for a specific, tangible target or a concrete objective to be hit or reached.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of ціль is цілі.
How do you pronounce it?
metá
Did you know?
- The word ціль is a linguistic relative of the German word 'Ziel'. Both descended from Middle High German zil via Polish influence.
- The word ціль is used not only for ambitions but also for military targets. An English speaker might use 'target' in a combat context, but in Ukrainian, the same word for a personal 'goal' is used.
- While мета́ describes a purpose, it also shares a root with words for 'boundary' or 'limit' in older Slavic contexts. This suggests a 'goal' is the point where a journey ends.
Examples in context
- У нас інша ціль.Our goal is different.This sentence is useful for expressing that a goal is different.Tatoeba #12304468 by deniko, translation #12304291 by CK
- Том мав одну ціль.Tom had one goal.This sentence is useful for describing a single goal someone had.Tatoeba #8741848 by deniko, translation #4493749 by CK
- Це наша основна ціль.This is our main goal.This sentence is useful for identifying a main goal.Tatoeba #6856022 by deniko, translation #639380 by Eldad
- Я маю велику мету в житті – стати відомим художником.I have a big goal in life – to become a famous artist.
- Моя ціль – вивчити українську мову.My goal is to learn the Ukrainian language.
- Це чудова ціль, я можу тобі допомогти!That's a great goal, I can help you!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Natalia and Andrii are talking about their future studies.
- Наталія NataliiaЯка твоя головна мета́ на цей рік?Yaka tvoya holovna meta na tsei rik?What is your main goal for this year?
- Андрій AndriiМоя мета́ вивчити нову мову.Moya meta vyvchyty novu movu.My goal is to learn a new language.
- Наталія NataliiaЦе дуже амбітна мета́, Андрію.Tse duzhe ambitna meta, Andriyu.That is a very ambitious goal, Andrii.
- Андрій AndriiТак, але я буду наполегливим.Tak, ale ya budu napolehlyvym.Yes, but I will be persistent.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goal” translations and entries ціль, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ціль, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
