目当て・目あて・目当|めあてmeate[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. nounmark; guide; landmark
2. nounpurpose; aim; goal; intention; end
   彼かれらは石油せきゆを目当めあてに土地とちを試掘しくつしている。↗

   They are boring the ground for oil.
3. nounsight (on a firearm)

• SynonymあてNeutralA goal or something to count on, as in 「当てにする」; 「目当て」 centers on what you are after.
• SynonymあてどWrittenWritten/formal prose for a destination or goal you are heading for, often as 「当て所なく」; 「目当て」 is about what you are after or a marker.
• RelatedめどNeutralA clue or prospect, or an expected completion time, as in 「目処が立つ」; 「目当て」 is about what you are pursuing.
• Related目的もくてきNeutralThe purpose you set out to achieve, more formal, as in 「旅行の目的」; 「目当て」 is the thing you want, often with a self-interested tinge.
• Related狙いねらいNeutralAiming or the intent behind an action, as in 「狙いを定める」; 「目当て」 is the thing you want.
• Related目標もくひょうNeutralA mark or sign for identification, as in 「目印をつける」; 「目当て」 is what you are after, though it can also mean a landmark for finding your way.
• Related意図いとWrittenWritten/formal prose for an intention, as in 「発言の意図」; 「目当て」 is the thing you want to get.

For something you want or a goal you are chasing, 「目当て」 is the default, as in 「お目当ての店」「景品目当て」, sometimes with a self-interested tinge. Use 「目的」 for a formal purpose, 「狙い」 for what you are aiming at, 「目処」 for a prospect, and 「目印」 for a marker.

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

1. 目標もくひょう。
2. 目指めざしている目的もくてき。
3. あらかじめ考かんがえておくこと。見当けんとう。めど。
4. 銃じゅうの照準しょうじゅんを定さだめるための突起とっき。