Meaning and Usage
The verb 目指す (めざす) means "to aim at" or "to have a goal or target in mind." It is commonly used when talking about personal ambitions, career goals, or organizational objectives. The nuance implies a clear direction or aspiration toward something specific.
Common Collocations
- 〜を目指す: to aim for something (e.g., 医者を目指す - to aim to become a doctor)
- 〜を目指して: indicating the purpose or goal behind an action (e.g., オリンピック出場を目指して練習する)
- 世界一を目指す: to aim to be number one in the world
Register and Politeness
目指す is a neutral verb suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is often used in written and spoken Japanese when discussing goals.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 目指す with 目立つ (to stand out) or 目指す with 目指せる (potential form). Remember 目指す always involves a goal or target, not just visibility or appearance.
Practical Tips
When using 目指す, clearly state the goal with を before it. It often appears with professions, achievements, or rankings. Using 目指して after the goal noun connects it to the action taken to reach that goal.