How to say "target" in Japanese

• 対象たいしょうJLPT N3approx.Common
  no-adjectiveThe target as the person or thing that something is directed at: the object of study or worship, the subject of taxation, the people a measure or service applies to.
  この歴史書れきししょは高校生こうこうせいを対象たいしょうに書かかれている。↗

  This history book is written for high school students.
• ターゲットCommon
  nounThe katakana loanword, used especially in business and marketing for the audience or market a product or campaign aims at; it can also refer to a physical target.
• 目標もくひょうJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounA goal or objective to be achieved: choose this when 'target' means something you strive toward, such as a figure or level to reach, not a thing you physically aim at.
  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.
• 標的ひょうてきCommon
  nounThe target of an attack, of criticism, or of ridicule, whether literal or figurative; also the mark aimed at in shooting.
  彼女かのじょの成功せいこうは彼女かのじょを嫉妬しっとの標的ひょうてきにした。↗

  Her success made her the target of jealousy.
• 的まとJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounThe concrete mark you aim at — a target in archery, darts, or shooting; figuratively it can also be the object of criticism or ridicule.
  私は矢やを的まとに当あてた。↗

  I hit the mark with the arrow.

Choose 対象 for whoever or whatever something is directed at, 「ターゲット」 for a marketing audience, 目標 for a goal to reach, 標的 for the target of attack or criticism, and 的 for a physical mark.

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

• 対象たいしょうtarget
• ターゲットtarget
• 目標もくひょうgoal
• 標的ひょうてきtarget
• 的まとmark
• 狙い目ねらいめone's chance
• 指示先しじさきtarget
• 狙いどころねらいどころtarget
• 対象者たいしょうしゃtarget (e.g. of a marketing campaign)
• 準的じゅんてきtarget
• 物標ぶっぴょうtarget (e.g. to aid navigation)
• 目標物もくひょうぶつtarget (object)
• タゲtarget
• あるべきideal
• 的を絞るまとをしぼるto narrow in (on)
• 矛先ほこさきfocus (of one's attack, criticism, etc.)
• 狙いねらいaim