Translation guide
The English word 'aim' covers several distinct ideas: having a goal or purpose, physically pointing or directing something, and targeting an audience or effort. Japanese expresses these with different words and patterns.
Expressing what you want to achieve, your intention, or the purpose of an action.
The most common and neutral word for 'aim' as a goal or purpose. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
His aim is to become a doctor.
What is the aim of this meeting?
Often used for a concrete target or objective, like a sales target or a goal you work toward. Slightly more tangible than 目的.
We are likely to achieve this year's sales aim.
She set her aims high.
Literally 'aim' as in aiming a weapon, but commonly used metaphorically for an intention or the point of something. Often implies a strategic aim.
What is his real aim?
The aim of this policy is economic recovery.
A verb pattern meaning 'to aim for' or 'to strive for'. Very common for personal goals and career aims.
He is aiming to become a lawyer.
We are aiming to be number one in the world.
A pattern meaning 'to make sure to do' or 'to aim to do', expressing a conscious effort toward a goal.
I aim to exercise every day.
Physically pointing a weapon, camera, or other object at a target.
Transitive verb meaning 'to point' or 'to direct' something at a target. Used for cameras, guns, attention, etc.
He aimed the camera at me.
Don't aim a gun at people.
Verb meaning 'to aim at' a target, often with a weapon or in a game. Also used metaphorically for targeting an opportunity.
Technical phrase meaning 'to take aim' or 'to align the sights', used in shooting or military contexts.
Directing a product, message, or action at a specific group or goal.
目的 (mokuteki) is a general purpose or aim. 目標 (mokuhyō) is a concrete target or objective, often with numbers. 狙い (nerai) implies a strategic or sometimes hidden aim. Use 目的 for 'the aim of this project', 目標 for 'sales aim', and 狙い for 'the real aim behind his words'.
English 'aim to do' is often not directly translated. Instead, use 〜ようにする (make an effort to), 〜つもりだ (intend to), or 〜を目指す (strive for). Avoid literal translations like 狙う for general intentions.
He aimed the arrow at the target.
I'm aiming for a chance.
The soldier took aim and fired.
The new product is aimed at female customers.