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.
This year's sales target is one million dollars.
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.
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.
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.
He shot the arrow at the target.
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.
He became the target of bullying.
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.
life goal
We need to set clear targets for the project.
The company missed its revenue target.
He aimed carefully at the target.
The target for the new product is young women.
Let's focus the discussion on a target.
敵の標的を破壊した。
They destroyed the enemy target.
ゲームで次のターゲットをロックオンした。
I locked on to the next target in the game.
The politician became the target of criticism.
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.