目的|もくてきmokuteki[0]heiban (flat)

1. nounpurpose; goal; aim; objective; intention; motive
   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.

• Synonym目標もくひょうNeutralA concrete target to reach, as in 「売上目標」 or 「最終目標」; 「目的」 stresses the intent behind what you do.
• Synonym狙いねらいNeutralWhat one is aiming at or has in mind, as in 「狙いは何だ」; common in speech, sometimes with a calculating nuance.
• Synonym意図いとWrittenWhat one plans in one's mind, as in 「発言の意図」; centers on inner intent and leans toward written/formal prose.
• Synonym趣旨しゅしNeutralThe point or reason behind an action or statement, as in 「会の趣旨」; explains why an activity is held.
• Synonym本旨ほんしWrittenA written/formal prose word for the original, fundamental purpose, as in 「法の本旨」; mostly in legal texts and official documents.
• SynonymターゲットNeutralA loanword for the target of an action, mostly in marketing, as in 「若者をターゲットにする」; stresses the people targeted.
• SynonymあてNeutralA goal or something to count on, as in 「当てもなく歩く」 or 「当てが外れる」; leans toward expectations one relies on.
• SynonymめどNeutralA goal or sign of progress, mostly in 「目処が立つ」 and 「目処をつける」, for when things come into view.
• Related目当てめあてNeutralThe thing one wants or is after, as in 「お目当ての本」; sometimes carries a self-serving nuance, as in 「金目当て」.
• Related使い道つかいみちNeutralWhat money, things, time or talent are used for, as in 「お金の使い道」.
• Related用途ようとNeutralThe use of an object, as in 「用途が広い」; applies only to things or money, and leans toward written/formal prose.
• Related使いどころつかいどころNeutralThe occasion or moment something is best used, as in 「使いどころが難しい」; the focus is on the right occasion.
• RelatedあてどWrittenA written/formal prose word for a goal or destination, mostly in 「当て所なくさまよう」, wandering with no purpose.
• Antonym手段しゅだんNeutralThe means used to achieve a purpose, the opposite of 「目的」, as in 「目的と手段」.

Use 「目的」 for what an action ultimately aims to achieve. For a concrete target say 「目標」; for intent say 「狙い」 or 「意図」; for what something is used for say 「用途」 or 「使い道」. 「手段」 is the counterpart, meaning the means.

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

1. 成し遂なしとげようとすることがら。行為こういの目指めざすところ。