Translation guide
The English word "target" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: a goal or objective, a physical object aimed at, and a person or group singled out. Japanese uses different words depending on the meaning.
Expressing something you aim to achieve, such as a sales target, a personal goal, or a deadline.
The most common and versatile word for a goal or objective. Used in business, education, and personal contexts.
今年の売上目標は100万ドルです。
This year's sales target is one million dollars.
彼は目標を達成するために一生懸命働いた。
He worked hard to achieve his target.
A loanword from English, often used in marketing, business, or casual contexts. It can sound more specific or trendy than 目標.
新製品のターゲットは若い女性です。
The target for the new product is young women.
Literally means 'bullseye' or 'mark', but can figuratively mean a target or goal, often in set phrases like 的を絞る (focus on a target). Less common for abstract goals.
議論の的を絞りましょう。
Let's focus the discussion on a target.
Referring to something you aim at with a weapon, in sports, or in a literal sense.
The standard word for a physical target, like in archery, shooting, or darts.
彼は矢を的に向けて放った。
He shot the arrow at the target.
ダーツの的の中心を狙ってください。
Aim for the center of the dart target.
Often used for military or strategic targets, or in a more formal context. Can also be used figuratively.
Loanword used in games, sports, or casual contexts. Common in video games.
Referring to someone who is the object of criticism, attack, or a specific campaign.
Commonly used when someone is targeted for criticism, bullying, or an attack. Can be used for both literal and figurative targeting.
彼はいじめの標的になった。
He became the target of bullying.
その政治家は批判の標的となった。
The politician became the target of criticism.
Used in marketing (target audience) or when someone is singled out, often in a more modern or casual sense.
Means 'object' or 'subject' and can be used when someone is the target of an action, study, or policy. More neutral than 標的.
目標 (mokuhyō) is the standard word for goals and objectives in most contexts. ターゲット (tāgetto) is a loanword that often implies a more specific, quantifiable target, especially in business or marketing. Using ターゲット can sound more modern or casual, but 目標 is safer for formal writing.
While 的 (mato) can mean 'target', it is primarily used for physical targets like in archery. Using it for abstract goals (e.g., 'life target') sounds unnatural. Use 目標 instead.
人生の目標
life goal
プロジェクトの明確な目標を設定する必要があります。
We need to set clear targets for the project.
その会社は収益目標を達成できなかった。
The company missed its revenue target.
彼は注意深く的を狙った。
He aimed carefully at the target.
敵の標的を破壊した。
They destroyed the enemy target.
I locked on to the next target in the game.
詐欺師は高齢者をターゲットにしている。
Scammers target elderly people.
この調査の対象は20代の男性です。
The target of this survey is men in their twenties.