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A1 noun 10 min de leitura

目的

mokuteki

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas 目的 em 30 segundos

Explicação 目的 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should treat '目的' (mokuteki) as a simple noun that means 'reason' or 'why.' You will mostly see it in very basic questions, such as 'Nihon ni kita mokuteki wa?' (What is your purpose for coming to Japan?). At this stage, don't worry about complex grammar. Just remember that it is a noun and it usually comes before 'wa' or 'desu.' You can think of it as the 'headword' for your motivation. If someone asks for your 'mokuteki,' they want to know the main reason you are doing something. It is a very useful word for travel and basic introductions. You might also see it on signs or forms at the airport. Just knowing this one word can help you navigate official situations much more easily.

At the A2 level, you can start using '目的' (mokuteki) in your own sentences to explain your goals more clearly. You might use the structure '[Noun] no mokuteki' (the purpose of [Noun]). For example, 'Benkyō no mokuteki' (the purpose of study). You should also learn the word 'mokutekichi,' which means 'destination.' This is very helpful when using public transport or asking for directions. You are beginning to distinguish between a simple reason ('riyū') and a purposeful goal ('mokuteki'). At this level, you should be able to answer questions about your purpose for learning Japanese or visiting a specific city using this word. You might also encounter 'tamokuteki' (multi-purpose) in the context of community centers or rooms.

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At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance between '目的' (mokuteki) and '目標' (mokuhyō). Remember that 'mokuteki' is the overall purpose (the 'why'), while 'mokuhyō' is the specific target (the 'what' or 'how much'). You will start seeing '目的' in business emails and more formal settings. You should also be comfortable with phrases like 'mokuteki o tassei suru' (to achieve a purpose) and 'mokuteki o motsu' (to have a purpose). At this stage, you might also learn 'mokuteki ishiki,' which is the awareness of one's purpose. This is a common term in workplace evaluations and self-improvement books. You should be able to describe your career goals or project objectives using these terms accurately.

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At the B2 level, '目的' (mokuteki) appears in more abstract and academic contexts. You will encounter it in news reports discussing the purpose of new laws or social movements. You should understand how it functions in compound words like 'honmatsu-tentō' (mistaking the means for the end). You will also start using it to discuss the 'intent' of an author or a speaker, though you will also begin to use 'ito' (intention) for more specific nuances. At this level, you should be able to argue your point of view by clearly defining the 'mokuteki' of your proposal and how it differs from other alternatives. You will also see it in legal or semi-formal documents explaining the 'shushi' (intent/purport) of a regulation.

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At the C1 level, you are expected to use '目的' (mokuteki) and its synonyms with high precision. You will distinguish between 'mokuteki' (purpose), 'ito' (intent), 'shushi' (purport), and 'nerai' (aim/target). You will encounter '目的' in sophisticated literature and philosophy, where it might be used to discuss the 'teleology' (purposefulness) of nature or history. You should be able to use it in complex grammatical structures, such as relative clauses that define the specific scope of an objective. In professional environments, you might use it to discuss 'strategic objectives' (senryaku-teki mokuteki) or 'social purpose' (shakai-teki mokuteki). Your understanding of the word should include its historical and kanji-based roots, allowing you to appreciate wordplay or deep metaphors involving 'the eye and the target.'

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At the C2 level, your mastery of '目的' (mokuteki) is near-native. You can use it in highly specialized fields such as law, where 'purpose' can define the legality of an action, or in high-level academic research. You are aware of the subtle rhetorical effects of choosing 'mokuteki' over other words to sound more objective or clinical. You can follow and participate in debates about 'life's purpose' (jinsei no mokuteki) using a wide array of related vocabulary. You understand the historical evolution of the word and how it has been used in Japanese philosophy and ethics. You can use the word in creative writing to imply hidden motives or to contrast a character's stated 'mokuteki' with their actual 'ito.' Your usage is flawless across all registers, from casual slang to the most formal imperial or legal Japanese.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

目的 em 30 segundos

Mokuteki means 'purpose' or 'objective' and is used to explain the 'why' behind an action.
It is composed of the kanji for 'eye' and 'target,' symbolizing a focused goal.
It is more abstract and broad than 'mokuhyō' (target/milestone).
Common in travel, business, and academic contexts to define intent.

The word 目的 (もくてき - mokuteki) is a cornerstone of the Japanese language, particularly when discussing intentions, motivations, and the 'why' behind any given action. At its core, it translates to 'purpose,' 'objective,' or 'goal.' However, to truly master its use, one must understand the visual weight of its kanji. The first character, 目 (me), means 'eye,' and the second, 的 (teki), means 'target' or 'bullseye.' Together, they evoke the image of an eye fixed firmly on a target. This implies a level of focus and intentionality that goes beyond a simple reason. When a Japanese speaker uses 目的, they are identifying the ultimate destination of their efforts.

Daily Life Usage: In everyday conversation, you will hear this word when people explain their reasons for travel, study, or even a simple trip to the store. For example, 'The purpose of my trip is sightseeing' would be Ryokō no mokuteki wa kankō desu.
Formal Contexts: In business or academic settings, 目的 is used to define the scope of a project or the objective of a research paper. It is less about 'feeling' like doing something and more about the logical 'end goal' established before the work begins.

日本に来た目的は何ですか？ (Nihon ni kita mokuteki wa nan desu ka?) — What is your purpose for coming to Japan?

Understanding the nuance between 目的 and its close cousin 目標 (mokuhyō) is essential. While 目的 is the 'purpose' (the big 'why'), mokuhyō is the 'target' or 'milestone' (the specific 'what' or 'how much'). If your 目的 is to become healthy, your mokuhyō might be to lose five kilograms. Using 目的 incorrectly in place of a specific numerical target can make your Japanese sound slightly unnatural, though the meaning will usually still be clear.

この会議の目的を教えてください。 (Kono kaigi no mokuteki o oshiete kudasai.) — Please tell me the purpose of this meeting.

Furthermore, 目的 can be used to describe someone's hidden intent. If someone is being overly nice, a suspicious person might wonder about their hontō no mokuteki (true purpose). This versatility allows the word to span from the dry, bureaucratic language of government documents to the dramatic tension of a mystery novel. It is a high-frequency word that appears in almost every JLPT level, starting from N5/N4 in its simplest forms and reaching N1 in complex compound variations like honmatsu-tentō (mistaking the means for the end).

彼は金が目的で働いている。 (Kare wa kane ga mokuteki de hataraite iru.) — He is working with the purpose of getting money.

Grammar Hint: 目的 is a noun, so it is often followed by the particle 'wa' to define a subject, or 'ni' to indicate a direction of purpose. It can also be used as a suffix in some contexts, though it usually stands alone as a strong, independent noun.

目的地まであと少しです。 (Mokutekichi made ato sukoshi desu.) — It is just a little further to the destination.

Using 目的 effectively requires understanding its relationship with particles. Most commonly, you will see the structure [Action/Noun] + の + 目的 or 目的 + は + [Reason] + です. This noun-based structure is the most standard way to declare an objective. For example, if you want to say 'The purpose of study is to pass the exam,' you would say Benkyō no mokuteki wa shiken ni gōkaku suru koto desu. Notice how the nominalizer koto is used at the end to turn the verb phrase into a noun that matches 'purpose'.

The 'Ni' Particle: When 目的 is used with the particle 'ni', it often indicates moving toward a goal or having a specific intent in mind. Mokuteki ni mukatte susumu (To move toward a goal) is a common motivational phrase used in schools and sports clubs.

あなたの学習の目的は何ですか？ (Anata no gakushū no mokuteki wa nan desu ka?) — What is the purpose of your study?

In more complex sentences, 目的 can be modified by a relative clause. For instance, 'The purpose for which I bought this book' would be Watashi ga kono hon o katta mokuteki. This structure allows for very specific descriptions of intent. You can also use the word 目的意識 (mokuteki ishiki), which translates to 'awareness of purpose' or 'sense of purpose.' Someone who works hard because they know exactly why they are doing it is said to have high mokuteki ishiki.

彼は明確な目的を持って行動している。 (Kare wa meikaku na mokuteki o motte kōdō shite iru.) — He is acting with a clear purpose.

When talking about travel, the word 目的地 (mokutekichi) is indispensable. It combines 'purpose' and 'place' to mean 'destination.' If you are using a GPS in Japan, it will constantly refer to your mokutekichi. Similarly, in a professional setting, you might discuss 多目的 (tamokuteki), which means 'multi-purpose.' A tamokuteki hōru is a multi-purpose hall found in many Japanese community centers.

本来の目的を忘れてはいけない。 (Honrai no mokuteki o wasurete wa ikenai.) — You must not forget the original purpose.

Negative Forms: To describe something done without a reason, use mu-mokuteki (aimless). For example, mu-mokuteki ni aruku means to walk aimlessly. This is a common way to describe wandering or taking a stroll without a set destination.

ダイエットの目的は健康のためだ。 (Daietto no mokuteki wa kenkō no tame da.) — The purpose of the diet is for health.

You will encounter 目的 in a variety of real-world scenarios in Japan. One of the first places a foreigner hears it is at the Immigration Bureau (入国管理局). The officer will almost certainly ask, 'Nyūkoku no mokuteki wa?' (What is the purpose of your entry?). This is a formal, standard question. Similarly, when checking into a hotel, the registration card might have a section for shukuhaku no mokuteki (purpose of stay), where you would check boxes for 'business' or 'leisure.'

In the Workplace: During the 'Chōrei' (morning meeting), a manager might clarify the day's mokuteki to ensure everyone is aligned. If a project is failing, a common critique is that the team has 'lost sight of the purpose' (mokuteki o miushinau).

このプロジェクトの最終目的を合意しましょう。 (Kono purojekuto no saishū mokuteki o gōi shimashō.) — Let's agree on the final objective of this project.

In academic settings, from elementary school to university, teachers emphasize the gakushū mokuteki (learning objective). On the first page of a textbook or a syllabus, there is almost always a section titled 'Mokuteki' explaining what the student will achieve by the end of the course. This focus on the 'why' is a deeply ingrained part of Japanese pedagogy.

研究の目的を論文の冒頭に書く。 (Kenkyū no mokuteki o ronbun no bōtō ni kaku.) — Write the purpose of the research at the beginning of the paper.

Even in the world of video games and apps, you'll see this word. In RPGs, the 'Quest Objective' is often listed as mokuteki. In fitness apps, you might be asked to select your riyō mokuteki (purpose of use), such as 'weight loss' or 'muscle gain.' It is a word that bridges the gap between the extremely formal and the completely mundane.

次の目的地は新宿駅です。 (Tsugi no mokutekichi wa Shinjuku-eki desu.) — The next destination is Shinjuku Station.

Social Media: On platforms like Twitter (X) or Instagram, Japanese users might use the tag #相互フォロー目的 (sōgo forō mokuteki) to indicate that their purpose for following someone is to get a follow back. This shows how the word is adapted into modern internet slang and social dynamics.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make is confusing 目的 (mokuteki) with 目標 (mokuhyō). While both can be translated as 'goal,' they are used differently. 目的 is the abstract 'purpose' or 'reason why' you are doing something. 目標 is the concrete 'target' or 'mark' you want to hit. For example, if your mokuteki is 'to improve world health,' your mokuhyō might be 'to vaccinate 1,000 children this month.' If you say your mokuteki is '1,000 children,' it sounds like you are collecting children rather than aiming for a goal.

Mistake: Overusing 'Mokuteki' for 'Reason': While 'purpose' and 'reason' are similar, don't use 目的 when you should use riyū (理由). If you are late for a meeting, you give a riyū (the train was late), not a mokuteki. A mokuteki is something you look forward to achieving; a riyū is the cause behind something that happened.

❌ 遅刻した目的は何ですか？ (Chikoku shita mokuteki wa nan desu ka?) — Incorrect: What was the purpose of being late?

Another common error involves the particle を (o). Beginners often try to say mokuteki o suru to mean 'to do a purpose.' This is incorrect. Instead, you should say mokuteki o motsu (to have a purpose) or mokuteki o tassei suru (to achieve a purpose). Remember that 目的 is a noun representing an idea, not an action in itself.

✅ 遅刻した理由は、電車が止まったからです。 (Chikoku shita riyū wa, densha ga tomatta kara desu.) — Correct: The reason I was late is because the train stopped.

Finally, be careful with the word 意図 (ito). While ito also means 'intention,' it is often used for the specific intent behind a single word or a specific design choice. 目的 is broader and usually refers to a larger, overarching goal. If you ask about the ito of a sentence, you want to know what the author meant. If you ask about the mokuteki of a book, you want to know why it was written.

❌ 彼は目的なく、ただ走った。 (Kare wa mokuteki naku, tada hashitta.) — While understandable, 'ate mo naku' (without aim) is often more natural for physical wandering.

Japanese has several words that overlap with 目的, and choosing the right one depends on the context and the level of formality. Let's break down the most common ones.

目標 (Mokuhyō): As mentioned before, this is a 'target.' It is concrete and often measurable. Use this for deadlines, sales targets, or grades. Mokuhyō wa 90-ten desu (The target is 90 points).
意図 (Ito): This means 'intention' or 'design.' It focuses on the thought process behind an action. Use this when asking, 'What did you mean by that?' (Sono kotoba no ito wa?)
狙い (Nerai): This comes from the verb 'nerau' (to aim). It is slightly more informal and often used in marketing or sports. 'The aim of this ad is young people' would use nerai.

彼の目的は成功することだが、今の目標は仕事を終わらせることだ。 (Kare no mokuteki wa seikō suru koto da ga, ima no mokuhyō wa shigoto o owaraseru koto da.) — His purpose is to succeed, but his current goal is to finish the work.

In formal writing, you might see 趣旨 (Shushi). This means 'purport' or 'the main point/intent.' It is used for the underlying principles of a law, a speech, or an organization. If you are starting a club, you would write a setsuritsu shushi sho (prospectus/statement of intent).

比較: 目的 vs 理由

目的 (Mokuteki): Future-oriented. Why are you doing this? (To get a job).
理由 (Riyū): Past or present-oriented. Why did this happen? (Because I was hungry).

For a more literary or philosophical tone, you might encounter 志 (Kokorozashi). This refers to a person's 'ambition' or 'will.' It is much more personal and emotional than the clinical 目的. A person with a great kokorozashi is someone with a noble life mission.

この制度の趣旨を理解してください。 (Kono seido no shushi o rikai shite kudasai.) — Please understand the intent of this system.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The 'teki' (的) character was originally used to mean a white target on a shield. In modern Japanese, it's also used as a suffix similar to '-ish' or '-al' (e.g., 'nihon-teki' - Japanese-ish).

Guia de pronúncia

UK /mɒkʊtɛki/

US /moʊkʊtɛki/

Flat pitch accent (Heiban). All syllables are pronounced with roughly equal emphasis.

Rima com

Kiteki (whistle) Shiteki (pointing out) Futeki (fearless) Kōteki (public) Siteki (private) Chiteki (intellectual) Gakuteki (academic) Hōteki (legal)

Erros comuns

Stressing the 'te' syllable too much.
Pronouncing 'teki' as 'techy'.
Elongating the 'o' like 'mookuteki'.
Making the 'u' too loud (it's often nearly silent).
Swapping the kanji order.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Kanji are common but require knowledge of N4/N3 levels.

Escrita 3/5

The kanji '的' has many strokes but is very common.

Expressão oral 1/5

Easy to pronounce and very useful.

Audição 1/5

Very distinct sound, easy to pick out in conversation.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

目 (Eye) 何 (What) 理由 (Reason) 行く (Go) 勉強 (Study)

Aprenda a seguir

目標 (Target) 手段 (Means) 意図 (Intention) 達成 (Achievement) 結果 (Result)

Avançado

趣旨 (Purport) 目的論 (Teleology) 本末転倒 (Means/End confusion) 乖離 (Divergence)

Gramática essencial

Nominalizing with 'koto'

目的は合格することです。 (The purpose is PASSING.)

Using 'tame ni' for purpose

合格するために勉強する。 (Study in order to pass.)

Noun + no + Mokuteki

旅行の目的 (Purpose of the trip.)

Mokuteki + o + [Verb]

目的を果たす (Fulfill a purpose.)

Mokuteki + ni + [Verb]

目的に向かって進む (Move toward a purpose.)

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Exemplos por nível

日本に来た目的は何ですか？

What is the purpose of coming to Japan?

Noun + no + mokuteki + wa + nan desu ka?

目的は観光です。

The purpose is sightseeing.

Mokuteki + wa + [Noun] + desu.

この本の目的は日本語の勉強です。

The purpose of this book is Japanese study.

Possessive particle 'no' links the book to the purpose.

あなたの目的を教えてください。

Please tell me your purpose.

Object marker 'o' + kudasai.

目的を紙に書きます。

I will write the purpose on paper.

Mokuteki + o + [Verb].

目的は一つだけです。

There is only one purpose.

Number + dake (only).

彼は目的を持って日本へ行きました。

He went to Japan with a purpose.

Mokuteki + o + motte (holding/having).

その目的は何ですか？

What is THAT purpose?

Sono (that) + mokuteki.

旅行の目的地はどこですか？

Where is the destination of the trip?

Mokutekichi (destination) is a common compound.

勉強の目的を忘れないでください。

Please don't forget the purpose of your study.

Wasurenai de kudasai (Please don't forget).

この部屋は多目的ホールです。

This room is a multi-purpose hall.

Tamokuteki (multi-purpose) as a prefix.

彼は健康を目的に運動しています。

He is exercising for the purpose of health.

[Noun] + o + mokuteki ni (with [Noun] as the purpose).

買い物の目的はパンを買うことです。

The purpose of shopping is to buy bread.

Koto desu turns the verb phrase into a noun.

目的がないと、やる気が出ません。

Without a purpose, I can't find motivation.

Mokuteki + ga + nai (there is no purpose).

目的地まであと10分です。

It's 10 minutes to the destination.

Mokutekichi + made (until/to).

日本に行く目的は二つあります。

I have two purposes for going to Japan.

Arimasu (there are/have).

このプロジェクトの目的を明確にしましょう。

Let's clarify the purpose of this project.

Meikaku ni suru (to make clear/clarify).

目的を達成するために努力しています。

I am making an effort to achieve my goal.

Mokuteki + o + tassei suru (to achieve a purpose).

彼は高い目的意識を持っています。

He has a high sense of purpose.

Mokuteki ishiki (awareness of purpose).

本来の目的を見失ってはいけません。

You must not lose sight of the original purpose.

Miushinau (to lose sight of).

この会の目的は、親睦を深めることです。

The purpose of this gathering is to deepen friendships.

Shinboku o fukameru (deepen friendship).

手段が目的になってしまっている。

The means have become the end (purpose).

Shudan (means) vs Mokuteki (purpose).

何の目的でそんなことをしたのですか？

For what purpose did you do such a thing?

Nan no mokuteki de (for what purpose).

目的を果たして、彼は帰国した。

Having fulfilled his purpose, he returned to his country.

Mokuteki o hatasu (to fulfill a purpose).

教育の究極の目的は何だろうか。

What might be the ultimate purpose of education?

Kyūkyoku no (ultimate).

営利を目的としない組織です。

It is a non-profit organization (not aiming for profit).

Eiri o mokuteki to shinai (not having profit as a purpose).

法改正の目的は、安全性の向上にある。

The purpose of the law revision lies in improving safety.

[Noun] + ni aru (lies in/exists in).

彼は無目的な生活を送っている。

He is leading an aimless life.

Mu-mokuteki na (aimless/purposeless).

研究の目的と手法を説明してください。

Please explain the purpose and methodology of the research.

Shuhō (method/methodology).

目的達成のためには犠牲も必要だ。

Sacrifices are necessary to achieve the goal.

Mokuteki tassei (goal achievement) as a compound noun.

この活動の主たる目的は環境保護だ。

The main purpose of this activity is environmental protection.

Shu-taru (main/primary).

政治的な目的で利用されてはならない。

It must not be used for political purposes.

Seiji-teki na (political).

本末転倒な議論は避けるべきだ。

We should avoid arguments that mistake the means for the end.

Honmatsu-tentō (idiom for confusing means and end).

その行為の背後にある真の目的を暴く。

To uncover the true purpose behind that act.

Haigo ni aru (lying behind).

公共の目的のために私有地が収用された。

Private land was expropriated for public purposes.

Kōkyō no mokuteki (public purpose).

目的論的なアプローチで歴史を考察する。

To examine history with a teleological approach.

Mokuteki-ron teki (teleological).

彼は言葉巧みに、自分の目的を果たした。

He skillfully achieved his purpose with clever words.

Kotoba takumi ni (with skillful words).

人生の目的を見出すのは容易ではない。

Finding the purpose of life is not easy.

Miidasu (to find out/discover).

その規約の目的とするところを明確にする。

To clarify the intended purpose of that regulation.

Mokuteki to suru tokoro (the intended purpose/aim).

多面的な目的を持つ政策が導入された。

A policy with multifaceted purposes was introduced.

Tamen-teki na (multifaceted).

目的概念の変遷を思想史的に辿る。

Tracing the transition of the concept of 'purpose' through the history of thought.

Mokuteki gainen (concept of purpose).

何ら目的を持たぬ存在としての自然。

Nature as an existence possessing no purpose whatsoever.

Nanra... mo-tanu (possessing no... whatsoever).

政治的意図と公的な目的の乖離が著しい。

The divergence between political intent and public purpose is remarkable.

Kairi (divergence/gap).

目的意識の希薄化が組織の腐敗を招く。

The dilution of a sense of purpose leads to the decay of the organization.

Kihaku-ka (dilution/thinning).

自己目的化した官僚機構の弊害を論じる。

Discussing the harmful effects of a bureaucracy that has become an end in itself.

Jiko-mokuteki-ka (becoming an end in itself).

崇高な目的を掲げつつも、手段を選ばない。

While flying the flag of a noble purpose, they stop at nothing (choose no means).

Tsutsu mo (while/despite).

目的の妥当性が厳しく問われている。

The validity of the purpose is being strictly questioned.

Dadō-sei (validity/appropriateness).

芸術における目的の不在こそが美である。

It is precisely the absence of purpose in art that constitutes beauty.

Fu-zai (absence).

Sinônimos

目標ねらい意図趣旨ターゲット

Antônimos

手段結果過程

Colocações comuns

目的を果たす

目的を達成する

目的を見失う

目的を明確にする

目的意識を持つ

本来の目的

共通の目的

最終目的

不純な目的

主要な目的

Frases Comuns

日本に来た目的

— Purpose for coming to Japan. Standard immigration question.

日本に来た目的は何ですか？

目的の場所

— The place of purpose. The intended location.

目的の場所に到着しました。

多目的トイレ

— Multi-purpose toilet. Accessible/universal design restroom.

駅に多目的トイレがあります。

利用目的

— Purpose of use. Often found in privacy policies.

データの利用目的を明記する。

目的外使用

— Use for other than the intended purpose.

目的外使用は禁止されています。

目的達成

— Achievement of the goal.

目的達成おめでとう！

政治的目的

— Political purpose.

政治的な目的で発言する。

営利目的

— Profit-making purpose.

営利目的の撮影は禁止です。

目的地まで

— To the destination.

目的地まであと少しだ。

何が目的で

— For what purpose? (Often suspicious).

何が目的でここに来た？

Frequentemente confundido com

目的 vs 目標 (Mokuhyō)

Mokuteki is the 'why' (abstract), Mokuhyō is the 'what' (concrete/target).

目的 vs 理由 (Riyū)

Mokuteki is future-oriented purpose, Riyū is the cause/reason for something.

目的 vs 意図 (Ito)

Mokuteki is a broad objective, Ito is the specific intent behind a single action.

Expressões idiomáticas

"本末転倒"

— Mistaking the means for the end. Getting priorities backward.

手段が目的になるのは本末転倒だ。

Formal/Literary

"目的のためには手段を選ばない"

— The end justifies the means. Using any method to reach a goal.

彼は目的のためには手段を選ばない男だ。

Neutral

"二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず"

— He who chases two hares catches neither. Focus on one purpose.

目的を絞らないと、二兎を追う者になるよ。

Idiomatic

"目的を達する"

— To attain one's objective.

ついに目的を達した。

Neutral/Formal

"初志貫徹"

— Carrying out one's original intention to the end.

初志貫徹して目的を遂げた。

Formal/Idiomatic

"一石二鳥"

— One stone, two birds. Achieving two purposes with one action.

この計画は一石二鳥の目的がある。

Common

"目的を遂げる"

— To accomplish one's purpose.

彼は野心的な目的を遂げた。

Formal

"無目的に過ごす"

— To spend time aimlessly.

休日を無目的に過ごしてしまった。

Neutral

"目的外の利用"

— Use outside of the intended purpose (often legal).

目的外の利用は固くお断りします。

Formal

"真の目的"

— True purpose (often implies a hidden one).

彼の真の目的は誰も知らない。

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

目的 vs 目標 (Mokuhyō)

Both translate to 'goal' in English.

Mokuteki is the final destination or purpose. Mokuhyō is a milestone or a numerical target you hit on the way to that purpose.

目的は健康で、目標は5kg減量だ。

目的 vs 理由 (Riyū)

Both explain 'why' you do something.

Riyū explains the cause (I did it because I was hungry). Mokuteki explains the desired outcome (I did it to get food).

理由を聞かれても、目的がないから答えられない。

目的 vs 意図 (Ito)

Both refer to intention.

Ito is the 'intent' or 'meaning' behind a specific word or minor action. Mokuteki is a larger 'purpose.'

作者の意図と、本の目的は違う。

目的 vs 趣旨 (Shushi)

Both mean purpose/intent.

Shushi is very formal and refers to the 'spirit' or 'main point' of a law or organization.

この法律の趣旨を説明する。

目的 vs 狙い (Nerai)

Both involve aiming for something.

Nerai is more like 'the catch' or 'the gimmick' in marketing, or 'the aim' in sports.

新商品の狙いは主婦層だ。

Padrões de frases

[Noun]の目的は何ですか？

旅行の目的は何ですか？

目的は[Verb]ことです。

目的は話すことです。

目的を達成するために[Action]。

目的を達成するために練習する。

[Action]ことが本来の目的だ。

楽しむことが本来の目的だ。

目的の如何を問わず、[Constraint]。

目的の如何を問わず、立ち入り禁止だ。

目的地の[Location]。

目的地の東京駅。

共通の目的を持つ。

共通の目的を持つ仲間。

目的が不明確だ。

彼の目的が不明確だ。

Família de palavras

Substantivos

目的地 (Destination)

目的語 (Object in grammar)

目的論 (Teleology)

目的意識 (Sense of purpose)

Verbos

目的とする (To aim at/have as a purpose)

Adjetivos

目的的な (Purposeful)

多目的な (Multi-purpose)

Relacionado

目標 (Target)

意図 (Intention)

趣旨 (Purport)

狙い (Aim)

志 (Ambition)

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Como usar

frequency

Very high; used daily in both speech and writing.

Erros comuns

Using 目的 instead of 理由 for past events. → 理由 (Riyū)
目的 is about what you WANT to happen. 理由 is about what DID happen or why it happened.
Saying 'Mokuteki o suru'. → 目的を持つ (Mokuteki o motsu)
目的 is a noun (purpose), not an action. You 'have' or 'achieve' a purpose.
Confusing 目的 with 目標 in sales/tests. → 目標 (Mokuhyō)
If you have a numerical target, use 目標. 目的 is the reason for the target.
Using 目的 for physical aiming. → 的 (Mato)
To aim at a physical target like a bullseye, use 'mato' or 'nerau.' 目的 is abstract.
Mixing up 'tame ni' and 'mokuteki'. → ～のための目的 (Purpose for ~)
Don't say 'Suru mokuteki ni.' Say 'Suru tame ni' or 'Suru koto ga mokuteki desu.'

Dicas

Nominalizing

Always use 'koto desu' when your purpose is an action. 'Mokuteki wa nihongo o hanasu koto desu.'

Mokuteki vs Mokuhyō

Mokuteki = The Why. Mokuhyō = The What. Keep them separate in your mind!

Business Etiquette

Stating the 'mokuteki' of a meeting at the start shows you respect everyone's time.

Immigration

Be ready to answer 'Nyūkoku no mokuteki wa?' with a simple noun.

Visual Memory

The 'Eye' (目) on the 'Target' (的) is the best way to remember the meaning.

Suspicious Intent

Asking 'Nani ga mokuteki da?' can sound like you suspect someone of something bad.

Clarity

In Japanese writing, a clear 'mokuteki' statement makes your text much easier to follow.

Mokuteki Ishiki

Developing a 'sense of purpose' will help you stay motivated in your language journey.

Mokutekichi

Learn 'mokutekichi' early; it's essential for navigating Japan.

Honmatsu-tentō

A great N1-level idiom to describe when people focus on the wrong things.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Visualize an EYE (目) looking directly at a TARGET (的). That focus is your PURPOSE.

Associação visual

An archer's eye squinting as they aim for the bullseye on a target.

Word Web

Goal Eye Target Why Destination Objective Intent Mission

Desafio

Try to write down three 'mokuteki' for your Japanese study today. Use the sentence 'Watashi no mokuteki wa...'

Origem da palavra

Composed of two Chinese characters (Kanji). '目' (eye) and '的' (bullseye/target).

Significado original: The spot where the eye is focused; the target of an arrow.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Contexto cultural

Generally a neutral word, but asking 'What is your purpose?' (Omae no mokuteki wa nan da?) can sound aggressive or like a villain in an anime if the tone is wrong.

In English, 'goal' and 'purpose' are often interchangeable. In Japanese, 'mokuteki' is strictly the 'purpose' and 'mokuhyō' is the 'goal/target.'

Immigration forms at Narita Airport. GPS navigation voice commands. Business strategy books like 'The Purpose of the Firm'.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Immigration

入国の目的は何ですか？
観光が目的です。
ビジネス目的の滞在です。
目的地の住所を書いてください。

Business

会議の目的を共有しましょう。
目的を達成するために何が必要ですか？
本来の目的を見失わないでください。
営利目的ではありません。

Study

日本語を学ぶ目的は何ですか？
この授業の目的は会話です。
高い目的意識を持って勉強する。
目的を紙に書き出す。

Travel

目的地まであとどのくらいですか？
目的地の天気を調べる。
無目的な旅も楽しいです。
目的地に到着しました。

Daily Life

何の目的で電話したの？
ダイエットの目的は健康のためだ。
目的の店が閉まっていた。
買い物に行く目的を忘れた。

Iniciadores de conversa

"あなたの人生の目的は何ですか？ (What is the purpose of your life?)"

"日本語を勉強している一番の目的は何ですか？ (What is your main purpose for studying Japanese?)"

"次の旅行の目的地はどこにしたいですか？ (Where do you want your next travel destination to be?)"

"仕事をする上で、一番大切にしている目的は何ですか？ (What is the purpose you value most in your work?)"

"最近、目的を達成したことはありますか？ (Have you achieved any goals recently?)"

Temas para diário

今日の目的を三つ書き出してみましょう。 (Write down three purposes for today.)

あなたが10年後に達成したい目的は何ですか？ (What is a purpose you want to achieve 10 years from now?)

『手段が目的になってしまった』経験はありますか？ (Have you ever experienced 'the means becoming the end'?)

なぜ目的意識を持つことが大切だと思いますか？ (Why do you think it is important to have a sense of purpose?)

理想の目的地について詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about your ideal destination.)

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Only if the reason is a future goal. If you want to say 'The reason I'm late is traffic,' you must use 'riyū.' If you say 'The purpose of my being late is...' it sounds like you were late on purpose to achieve a goal!

It is neutral to formal. It is used in daily conversation but is also the standard word for 'objective' in business and law.

Mokuteki is the abstract 'purpose.' Mokutekichi is the physical 'destination' (place) you are traveling to.

No. You should say 'Mokuteki o motte [Action] suru' (Do [Action] with a purpose) or 'Mokuteki o tassei suru' (Achieve a purpose).

Use 'mu-mokuteki' (無目的). For example, 'mu-mokuteki na tabi' (an aimless trip).

No. A physical target for an arrow is 'mato.' A sales target is 'mokuhyō.' A target audience is 'tāgetto' or 'nerai.'

It's an idiom meaning you've confused the means (shudan) with the end (mokuteki). For example, studying so hard you ruin your health, when the purpose of study was to have a better life.

Yes, in words like 'shūkyō-mokuteki' (religious purpose) or 'seiji-mokuteki' (political purpose), though it is often better to use 'no mokuteki' or 'teki na mokuteki'.

Mokuteki is a logical objective. Kokorozashi is a personal, high-minded ambition or will. You have a 'mokuteki' for a project, but a 'kokorozashi' for your life's work.

Look for the label '目的' and write your reason in one or two words, like '観光' (sightseeing) or '商用' (business).

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