Translation guide
The English word "objective" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: as a noun meaning a goal or aim, as an adjective meaning unbiased or based on facts, and in specific contexts like military targets or grammar.
A thing aimed at or sought; a purpose or target.
The most common and versatile word for 'objective' as a goal. Used in business, study, and daily life.
今年の目標は日本語能力試験に合格することです。
My objective this year is to pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test.
目標を達成するために毎日勉強しています。
I study every day to achieve my objective.
Often translated as 'purpose' or 'objective'. Slightly more abstract than 目標, focusing on the reason or intention behind an action.
この会議の目的は何ですか。
What is the objective of this meeting?
Literally 'aim', often used for objectives in a strategic or competitive sense. Can be used in business or personal goals.
彼の狙いは市場シェアを拡大することだ。
His objective is to expand market share.
Loanword from English 'target'. Used in marketing, sales, or when emphasizing a specific measurable goal.
今月の売上ターゲットは達成できそうだ。
We seem to be able to achieve this month's sales objective.
Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions; considering only facts.
The standard translation for 'objective' as an adjective. Used in academic, professional, and everyday contexts.
客観的な意見を聞かせてください。
Please give me an objective opinion.
データに基づいた客観的な判断が必要だ。
We need an objective judgment based on data.
Means 'neutral standpoint'. Used when emphasizing lack of bias, especially in conflicts or debates.
彼は常に中立的な立場を取る。
He always takes an objective stance.
Means 'fair' or 'impartial'. Often used when objectivity is about fairness rather than just factuality.
A target or goal in a military operation or strategic plan.
Same word as for general goals, but used in military contexts as well. Context clarifies the meaning.
敵の軍事目標を破壊した。
They destroyed the enemy's military objective.
Specifically 'attack target' or 'objective of an attack'. More explicit than 目標 alone.
次の攻撃目標は敵の補給線だ。
The next objective is the enemy's supply line.
The case of a pronoun or noun when it is the object of a verb or preposition.
The grammatical term for 'objective case'. Japanese does not have case inflection like English, but this term is used in linguistic descriptions.
英語の 'him' は目的格です。
English 'him' is in the objective case.
目標 (mokuhyō) is a concrete, often measurable target (like a sales figure or test score). 目的 (mokuteki) is more about the purpose or reason behind an action. For example, 'My objective is to lose 5kg' → 目標, but 'The objective of this exercise is to improve health' → 目的.
客観的 (kyakkanteki) only means 'objective' in the sense of unbiased. It cannot be used to mean 'goal' or 'target'. Saying 私の客観的 is incorrect for 'my objective'.
公平な評価を心がけています。
I try to make objective evaluations.