Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 目標 | mokuhyō | [mo̞kɯ̟̊ço̞ː] (narrow) |
| 的 | mato | [ma̠to̞] (narrow) [ikɯ̟ha̠] (narrow) |
| ターゲット | tāgetto | [ta̠ːɡe̞t̚to̞] (narrow) |
| 目的 | mokuteki | [mo̞kɯ̟̊te̞kʲi] (narrow) |
In Japanese, the word for target changes based on whether you are discussing a physical object, an abstract goal or a business concept.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 目標 is composed of 目 (eye) and 標 (sign/mark), which literally means a mark for the eyes to follow.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on what kind of target you mean. Use 的 when referring specifically to a physical target or object being aimed at, such as a bullseye in archery. Use 目標 for abstract goals or milestones that one aims to achieve, such as a study goal or a sales target. The word 目的 primarily means 'purpose' or 'objective', but it can also be used to convey the idea of a target.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
目標 is a common and general term for target in a formal context. In business settings, you may also encounter the loanword ターゲット, which is frequently used in phrases like 'target audience' (ターゲット層).
How do you pronounce it?
mokuhyō
Did you know?
- The word 的 is not just a noun for a physical target, but it also functions as a particle to turn nouns into adjectives, similar to the English suffix '-ic'.
Examples in context
- 矢は的に当たった。The arrow hit the target.This sentence shows the use of 的 in the context of an arrow hitting a target.Tatoeba #79574 by bunbuku, translation #324144 by CK
- 矢は的に届かなかった。The arrow fell short of the target.This sentence demonstrates the use of 的 when an arrow fails to reach its mark.Tatoeba #79573 by bunbuku, translation #324145 by CK
- 彼女は的にねらいを定めた。She aimed at the target.This sentence illustrates how someone uses 的 when aiming at a specific point.Tatoeba #87797 by bunbuku, translation #315910 by CK
- 営業目標Sales target
- 調査対象Target of the research
- 営業目標達成Achieving the sales target
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Himari are talking about their studies.
- 陽太 Yota今年の目標は何？Kotoshi no mokuhyō wa nani?What is your goal for this year?
- 陽葵 Himari英語をたくさん話せるようになることだよ。Eigo o takusan hanaseru yō ni naru koto dayo.It is to become able to speak a lot of English.
- 陽太 Yotaいい目標だね。Ii mokuhyō dane.That is a good goal.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太の目標も教えて。Yōta no mokuhyō mo oshiete.Tell me your goal too, Yota.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “target” translations and entries 目標, 的, ターゲット, 目的, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ターゲット, 的, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
