Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 目標 / 目标 | mùbiāo |
| 目的 | mùdì |
The word 目標 / 目标 is used to refer to a goal or objective, specifically a milestone or target one aims to achieve. Common collocations include using the verb 達成 to mean 'to achieve' a target or the verb 設定 to mean 'to set' a target.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 目標 / 目标 is literally an 'eye-mark' or 'sign', composed of the characters 目 (eye) and 標 (mark/sign), signifying a mark for the eye to follow.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between what you are aiming for and why you are doing it. 目標 / 目标 refers to the 'what' (the specific goal or target to be hit), while 目的 refers to the 'why' (the underlying purpose or intention behind an action). Additionally, if you are referring to a physical target in the context of archery or shooting, the formal term 靶 is used. For professional or specialized contexts, such as project objectives or investment targets, the formal term 标的 is used.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is mùbiāo.
Did you know?
- The word 目標 was actually borrowed from the Japanese word 目標 (mokuhyō) rather than being a native Chinese creation.
- The term 目的 can sometimes be used in a slightly negative way to imply a 'hidden agenda' or a selfish motive, unlike the more neutral 目標.
- The character 標 in 目標 is also used in the word for 'standard' or 'benchmark', suggesting that a target is not just a goal but a measure of success.
Examples in context
- 我们需要设定明确的目标来实现业务增长。We need to set clear targets to achieve business growth.
- 我的目标是要学会弹吉他。My target is to learn how to play the guitar.
- 我的目的是能够旅行世界各地。My purpose is to travel around the world.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “target” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 目標, CC BY-SA 4.0.
