Japanese word

目指す

Pronunciation

Romajimezasu

Meaning

  • verbaim for

Example

私は一番を目指します。watashi wa ichi ban o me za shi ma su

I aim for first place.

Illustration for 目指す (aim for)

More examples

将来は海外で働くことを目指しています。shō rai wa kai gai de hatara ku ko to o me za shi te i ma su

I aim to work abroad in the future.

Core concept

Expresses directing effort or movement toward a chosen goal, destination, or state.

Common phrases

  • 日本一を目指すnihonichi o me za su

    aim to be the best in Japan

  • プロを目指すpu ro o me za su

    aim to become a professional

  • 合格を目指すgō kaku o me za su

    aim to pass

Similar words

狙うnerau: To select a particular result as a target and try to reach it.
志すkokorozasu: To choose a meaningful role or way of life as a goal and work toward it.

Definition in Japanese

実現したいものや到達したい場所などを目標として、そこに向かおうとする。jitsu gen shi ta i mo no ya tō tatsu shi ta i ba sho na do o moku hyō to shi te so ko ni mu ka ō to su ru

Word origin

目指す (mezasu) combines 目 (me, "eye") and 指す (sasu, "point toward"), giving the sense of directing one's gaze toward a target and aiming for it.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 目指す (mezasu) commonly takes a desired role or status directly, as in 医者を目指す (isha o mezasu), meaning "aim to become a doctor."

Other meanings

  • aspire toverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word