Japanese word

対象

Pronunciation

Romajitaishō

Meaning

  • nountarget

Example

この本は子どもを対象にしています。ko no hon wa ko do mo o tai shō ni shi te i ma su

This book is aimed at children.

Illustration for 対象 (target)

More examples

この割引は学生が対象です。ko no waribiki wa gaku sei ga tai shō de su

This discount is for students.

Core concept

Centers on the person or thing toward which an action, attention, or discussion is directed.

Common phrases

  • 対象になるtai shō ni na ru

    be eligible

  • 対象にするtai shō ni su ru

    target

  • 対象を選ぶtai shō o era bu

    choose a target

Similar words

ターゲットtāgetto: A person or thing selected as the intended focus of an action, plan, or activity.

Definition in Japanese

働きかけや注意などが向けられる相手や物事。hatara ki ka ke ya chū i na do ga mu ke ra re ru ai te ya mono goto

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 対象 (taishō) combines 対 (tai, "facing") and 象 (shō, "form" or "image"), giving the sense of something placed before the mind or action.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese, 対象 (taishō) often names the people an activity is designed for, while English target more often suggests a goal or an object of action.

Other meanings

  • objectnoun
  • subjectnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 対象者taishōshatarget personnoun

Word lists with this word