Translation guide
The English word "object" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones: a physical thing, a goal or purpose, a grammatical term, and the verb meaning to express opposition. Each meaning requires different Japanese expressions.
A tangible item that can be seen or touched.
a strange object in the sky · everyday objects like cups and pens
The most general word for a physical object or thing. Can be used in almost any context.
テーブルの上に何か物がありますか？
Is there any object on the table?
この物は何ですか？
What is this object?
A more formal or scientific term for a physical object, often used in physics or technical contexts.
その物体は金属でできている。
The object is made of metal.
Refers to goods, articles, or merchandise. Used when talking about items in a commercial context.
店には様々な品物が並んでいた。
Various objects (goods) were displayed in the store.
An aim or objective that one works toward.
The object of the game is to score points. · What's the object of this exercise?
The standard word for purpose, objective, or goal. Used in both formal and informal contexts.
彼の目的は医者になることです。
His object is to become a doctor.
この会議の目的は何ですか？
What is the object of this meeting?
Often translated as 'target' or 'goal'. Emphasizes a concrete, measurable objective.
Means 'aim' or 'object' in the sense of what one is targeting. Often used in strategic contexts.
The noun or noun phrase that receives the action of a verb.
In 'I read a book', 'book' is the object.
The standard grammatical term for 'object' in linguistics. Used in both English and Japanese grammar.
この文では「本」が目的語です。
In this sentence, 'book' is the object.
To say that you disagree with or disapprove of something.
I object to this decision. · No one objected to the proposal.
The most common way to say 'object to' or 'oppose'. Can be used in formal and informal settings.
彼はその計画に反対した。
He objected to the plan.
誰か反対する人はいますか？
Does anyone object?
A formal expression meaning 'to raise an objection'. Often used in legal or official contexts.
弁護士は判決に異議を唱えた。
The lawyer objected to the ruling.
Literally 'to say complaints'. Used when objecting in a complaining manner, often in everyday situations.
彼はいつも食事に文句を言う。
He always objects to the food.
The word 物 (もの) only refers to physical, tangible things. For abstract concepts like 'the object of desire', use 対象 (たいしょう) or rephrase.
目的 (もくてき) is a general purpose or objective, while 目標 (もくひょう) is a specific, often numerical target. Use 目的 for 'the object of the game' and 目標 for 'sales target'.
今年の目標は売上を10％増やすことだ。
Our object this year is to increase sales by 10%.
His object is a promotion.