Translation guide
To decide on a goal or target, often an ambitious one, and focus effort on achieving it.
Expressing that someone has chosen a specific objective to pursue, especially a challenging one.
Literally 'to set a goal'. A natural, standard way to say you have decided on a target.
彼は大学院進学に目標を定めた。
He set his sights on going to graduate school.
Literally 'to take aim'. Used when focusing on a specific target, often in a competitive or strategic context.
彼女は社長の座に狙いを定めている。
She has set her sights on the position of company president.
A common verb meaning 'to aim for'. Often used with a goal or destination.
Literally 'to adjust one's sights' (as on a gun). Metaphorically means to focus on a target. More formal or literary.
彼は世界記録に照準を合わせた。
He set his sights on the world record.
Emphasizing that the goal is lofty or challenging, often with determination.
Literally 'to hold up a high goal'. Conveys ambition and public declaration of intent.
彼女は常に高い目標を掲げている。
She always sets her sights high.
目標を定める emphasizes the act of deciding on a specific target, while 目指す focuses on the ongoing effort toward a goal. Use 目標を定める when the decision is key, and 目指す when describing a continuous aim.
彼は医者になるという目標を定めた。
He set his sights on becoming a doctor (made the decision).
彼は医者を目指して勉強している。
He is studying, aiming to become a doctor (ongoing effort).
He has set his sights on becoming a professional soccer player.
Literally 'to embrace a great ambition'. A more formal, aspirational expression.
若者は大志を抱くべきだ。
Young people should set their sights high.
Means 'to aim too high' or 'to be overambitious'. Can carry a negative nuance of unrealistic expectations.
Often used when someone's goal is seen as unrealistic or beyond their ability.
彼は高望みしすぎて失敗した。
He set his sights too high and failed.