的|まとmato[0]heiban (flat)

1. nounmark; target
   私は矢やを的まとに当あてた。↗

   I hit the mark with the arrow.
2. nounobject; subject; focus
3. nounpoint (e.g. of argument)

• Synonym標的ひょうてきNeutralNoun for the target of an attack (「標的にされる」); leans formal, while 「的」 also covers archery targets and the center of attention.
• SynonymターゲットNeutralLoanword for target customers or objects (「ターゲット層」); used mostly in marketing.
• Synonym焦点しょうてんNeutralNoun for a focus (「議論の焦点」); stresses the center where attention or discussion converges.
• Synonym正鵠せいこくWrittenWritten word for the bull's-eye or vital point (「正鵠を射る」); used mostly in set phrases.
• Related狙いねらいNeutralNoun for aiming or intent (「狙いを定める」); centers on one's purpose rather than the target itself.
• Related獲物えものNeutralNoun for prey or quarry (「獲物を狙う」); only loosely related to 「的」, as it stresses the object being caught.
• Related餌食えじきNeutralNoun for a victim (「詐欺の餌食になる」); only loosely related to 「的」, as it stresses the party harmed rather than a target.
• Related好餌こうじWrittenWritten word for bait or an easy mark; rare. Only loosely related to 「的」: it can name someone to exploit, but never a target you aim or shoot at.
• Related狙いどころねらいどころNeutralNoun for an aiming point or point of focus (「狙いどころがいい」).
• RelatedいいかもCasualColloquial set phrase for an easy mark or dupe (「いい鴨にされる」); only loosely related to 「的」.

Use 「的」 for an archery target or the center of attention or attack: 「的を射る」「注目の的」「非難の的」. For the object of an attack say 「標的」, for marketing targets 「ターゲット」, and for the victim 「餌食」.

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

1. （まと）攻撃こうげきや打撃だげきを加くわえるべき対象たいしょう。標的ひょうてき。