目的
mokuteki[mo̞kɯ̟̊te̞kʲi]
The English word 'purpose' is translated into Japanese as 目的 (mokuteki).
目的 refers to an end for which something is done, is made or exists. It is the most direct and widely used translation for 'purpose' in formal Japanese.
Meaning: end for which something is done, is made or exists (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 目的 refers to a specific goal or objective, it is distinct from 理由, which means 'reason' or 'cause' for an action.
How do you pronounce it?
mokuteki
Did you know?
- When discussing a 'purpose' that is a way of life or a person's calling, Japanese speakers often use 生きがい (ikigai) instead of 目的.
- In many social contexts, stating your 目的 too directly can be seen as being too blunt or lacking 'wa' (harmony), so people often use softer indirect phrasing.
- The character 的 in 目的 is also used as a suffix to turn nouns into adjectives, similar to how 'ly' works in English for some words.
Examples in context
- 彼は目的を達成した。He achieved his purpose.This sentence shows how to use 目的 when discussing achieving a purpose.Tatoeba #99493 by bunbuku, translation #304205 by CM
- 入国目的は何ですか。What's the purpose of your visit?This sentence is useful for asking about the purpose of a visit using 目的.Tatoeba #122068 by bunbuku, translation #54380 by CK
- 滞在目的は何ですか？What is the purpose of your visit?This sentence is another way to ask about the purpose of a visit using 目的.Tatoeba #137894 by bunbuku, translation #275342 by CC
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are discussing a new project at work.
- 結衣 Yuiこのプロジェクトの目的は何ですか？Kono purojekuto no mokuteki wa nan desu ka?What is the purpose of this project?
- 蓮 Ren新しい顧客を獲得することです。Atarashii kokyaku o kakutoku suru koto desu.It is to acquire new customers.
- 結衣 Yuiなるほど、わかりました。Naruhodo, wakarimashita.I see, I understand.
- 蓮 Renよろしくお願いします。Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.I look forward to working with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “purpose” translations and entries 目的, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
