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.
My objective this year is to pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test.
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.
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.
His objective is to expand market share.
Loanword from English 'target'. Used in marketing, sales, or when emphasizing a specific measurable goal.
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.
Please give me an objective opinion.
Means 'neutral standpoint'. Used when emphasizing lack of bias, especially in conflicts or debates.
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.
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.
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'.
We need an objective judgment based on data.
He always takes an objective stance.
公平な評価を心がけています。
I try to make objective evaluations.
The next objective is the enemy's supply line.