目的 — meaning in English: the purpose

mokuteki · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for purpose

目的

mokuteki

エントリー

entorī

エンターテインメント

entāteinmento

買収

baishū

法案

hōan

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 目的 (mokuteki) in both formal and informal discussions. For example, in a business meeting, someone might say, '私たちの目的はこの製品を市場に導入することです' (Our purpose is to launch this product in the market). In casual conversations, you might hear a student explaining their study goals: '私の目的は日本語を流暢に話せるようになることです' (My purpose is to be able to speak Japanese fluently).

Synonyms & nuances

While 目的 (mokuteki) means 'purpose', it can sometimes be interchangeable with 目標 (mokuhyou), which translates to 'goal' or 'objective'. The subtle difference lies in that 目標 (mokuhyou) often refers to a specific target to achieve, while 目的 (mokuteki) encompasses a broader sense of reasoning or intent behind actions.

Culture

The word 目的 (mokuteki) is derived from the kanji 目 (eye) and 的 (target), which together convey the idea of having a clear target or goal in sight. In Japanese culture, setting a purpose is deeply ingrained in both personal and professional life, reflecting the society's focus on intentionality and direction in one's actions, often associated with concepts like 'ikigai' (life's purpose).

FAQ

Q.What does 目的 (mokuteki) mean in English?

目的 (mokuteki) translates to 'purpose' in English, referring to the reason or intention behind an action or goal.

Q.How do I use 目的 in a sentence?

You can use 目的 in sentences like 'このプロジェクトの目的は何ですか?' (What is the purpose of this project?), which showcases its application in various contexts.

Q.Is 目的 used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 目的 (mokuteki) is versatile and can be used in both formal situations, like business meetings, and informal conversations, making it a useful word to know.

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