How to say "aim" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

狙いねらいJLPT N2approx.Common
nounCovers the literal act of aiming a gun or bow, and by extension what one is scheming to accomplish. Use it when pointing at a target or discussing someone's strategy.
目的もくてきJLPT N3approx.Common
nounThe purpose for which something is done — the why behind an action. Best for 'the aim of this project is...' when you mean the underlying purpose rather than a target to hit.
彼かれの目的もくてきはそのテストに合格ごうかくすることです。↗
His object is to pass the test.
目標もくひょうJLPT N3approx.Common
nounA goal or target one works toward, often something measurable or achievable. Use it for aims like targets, objectives, or ambitions you strive to reach.
売れ行うれゆきは目標もくひょうに達たっしなかった。↗
Sales fell short of their goal.
意図いとJLPT N1approx.Common
noun, suru verb, transitive verbThe intention or design behind an action — what someone means to do. Choose it when 'aim' refers to a person's intent in doing something, as in 'the aim of the remark'.
意図いとしていたものとかけ離はなれた結果けっかとなった。↗
It had an effect alien from the one intended.
あてJLPT N1approx.Common
nounThe object, end, or purpose one has in view. It covers senses like 'with the aim of...', though for most everyday senses of 'aim' the other words are usually the better choice.

「狙い」 is physical or strategic aim, 目的 is purpose, 目標 is a goal to reach, 意図 is intention behind an act, and 「あて」 is the object or end one has in view.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

狙いねらいaim (of a gun, bow, etc.)
目的もくてきpurpose
目標もくひょうgoal
意図いとintention
あてaim
めどaim
旨むねprinciple
志向しこうintention
照準しょうじゅんsight (e.g. of a gun)
向けるむけるto turn (towards)
目安めやすcriterion
志こころざしwill
見当けんとうestimate
エイムaim (of a weapon, esp. in video games)
目差しめざしaim
あてどaim
目星めぼしobjective
目的物もくてきぶつobject
準的じゅんてきtarget
目論見もくろみplan
前提ぜんていintention
コンセプトintention
目当てめあてpurpose
ためsake
矛先ほこさきfocus (of one's attack, criticism, etc.)
趣旨しゅしgoal
付け目つけめobject
方向性ほうこうせいgoal
つぼaim

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