目標
Meaning: Goal or target — used as a compliment meaning someone is your inspiration or the standard you're striving toward.
While 目標 literally means 'goal' or 'target,' using it about a person is a strong compliment meaning 'you are what I'm aiming for.' Common in sports, work, and school contexts where someone identifies another person as their benchmark. Saying 目標です (you are my goal) to someone is a serious expression of respect and aspiration.
Examples
- あなたみたいな人が私の目標です。 像您这样的人就是我的目标。Una persona como tú es mi meta.당신 같은 사람이 제 목표입니다.
- いつか目標にしてる先輩を超えたい。 总有一天想要超越作为目标的前辈。Algún día quiero superar al senpai al que aspiro.언젠가 목표로 삼고 있는 선배를 넘고 싶다.
- あの選手が子供の頃からずっと目標だった。 那位选手从小时候起就一直是我的目标。Ese deportista ha sido mi meta desde que era niño.저 선수가 어릴 때부터 쭉 목표였다.
Pronunciation
/mo.ku.hjo.u/
Usage Guide
Context: sports, school, workplace, social media
Tone: determined, respectful
✓ Do Say
- あなたが私の目標です。 (You are my goal.)您是我的目标。(你就是我奋斗的方向。)Tú eres mi meta. (You are my goal.)당신이 제 목표입니다. (You are my goal.)
- 目標にしてる人がいるから頑張れる。 (I can keep trying because I have someone to aspire to.)因为有一个作为目标的人所以才能坚持努力。(正因为有想要追赶的人,所以才能不断努力。)Puedo seguir esforzándome porque tengo a alguien a quien aspirar. (I can keep trying because I have someone to aspire to.)목표로 삼고 있는 사람이 있으니까 노력할 수 있어. (I can keep trying because I have someone to aspire to.)
✗ Don't Say
- 「目標にしてます」を毎回言うと社交辞令に聞こえる (Saying 'mokuhyō ni shitemasu' every time sounds like empty flattery)每次都说'目標にしてます'会让人觉得是在说客套话(每次见面都说'我以您为目标'听起来像是空洞的恭维)Decir «目標にしてます» constantemente suena a cumplido vacío (Saying 'mokuhyō ni shitemasu' every time sounds like empty flattery)'目標にしてます'를 매번 말하면 빈말처럼 들린다 (Saying 'mokuhyō ni shitemasu' every time sounds like empty flattery)
Common Mistakes
- Saying 目標 about someone significantly below your level — it should be directed upward or at equals you respect
Origin & History
From 目 (eye) + 標 (mark/sign) — literally 'the mark your eyes are fixed on.' A standard Japanese word that has been used to describe goals and targets for centuries. The personal usage (someone being your 目標) is a natural extension of the word's meaning.
Cultural Context
Era: Traditional word, personal usage long-established
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Regional notes: Used across all of Japan. Common in sports interviews and school/work culture.
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