Translation and Meaning of: 狙い - nerai

The Japanese word 狙い (ねらい) is a term that arouses curiosity both for its precise meaning and for its cultural nuances. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding how and when to use it can enrich your vocabulary. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and contexts in which this word appears, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

The term 狙い is often associated with ideas like "target," "intention," or "objective," but its use goes beyond the literal meaning. It appears in everyday situations, expressions, and even in media like animes and mangas. If you want to learn how to use it correctly or discover how the Japanese perceive it in daily life, keep reading!

Meaning and usage of 狙い (ねらい)

狙い can be translated as "target" or "objective," but its meaning is broader. It also carries the idea of intent behind an action, like when someone acts with a specific purpose. For example, in sports or games, the word is used to describe focus on a target, whether physical or strategic.

In daily life, the Japanese use 狙い in various contexts, from casual conversations to more formal discussions. A sentence like "彼の狙いは何だろう？" (What is his intention?) illustrates how the term can express doubt or curiosity about someone's motives. This flexibility makes it a useful word for those who wish to communicate naturally.

Origin and writing of the kanji 狙

The kanji 狙 is composed of the radical 犭, which is related to animals, and the component 且, which suggests the idea of "target" or "focus." This combination refers to the act of hunting, where the hunter aims at their prey. Over time, the meaning has expanded to include abstract goals, not just physical ones.

It is worth noting that 狙い is often written in hiragana (ねらい) in informal texts, but the kanji is still widely used, especially in more formal or literary contexts. Being able to recognize its writing helps to better understand texts in Japanese and expand your vocabulary knowledge.

Tips for memorizing and using 狙い

An effective way to fix 狙い in memory is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of an archer aiming at a target or someone planning a strategy. This mental image can help remember the central meaning of the word. Another tip is to write down example sentences, such as "この作戦の狙いは何？" (What is the objective of this strategy?), to see the term in context.

Additionally, paying attention to the use of 狙い in animes, dramas, or news can reinforce your learning. Often, the word appears in dialogues about plans or competitions, which makes understanding its practical meaning easier. The more you encounter it in real situations, the more natural your usage will become.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 狙う (nerau) - aim, aim
• 目的 (mokuteki) - Objective, general purpose
• 目標 (mokuhyou) - Specific goal to be achieved
• 狙撃 (sogeki) - Sniper, precision shooting
• 狙い撃ち (neraiuchi) - Aim accurately at a specific target
• 狙い目 (neraimi) - Opportunity or target that is considered favorable
• 狙い定める (nerai sadameru) - Define a target or objective clearly.
• 狙いをつける (nerai wo tsukeru) - Identify a target or objective

狙い

Romaji: nerai
Kana: ねらい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: to aim

Meaning in English: aim

Definition: To restrict your goal. Aim.

Example Sentences - (狙い) nerai

See below some example sentences:

私の狙いは高い目標を達成することです。

Watashi no nerai wa takai mokuhyō o tassei suru koto desu

My goal is to achieve high goals.

• 私 (watashi) - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 狙い (nerai) - noun meaning "goal" or "target"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 高い (takai) - adjective that means "high" or "elevated"
• 目標 (mokuhyou) - noun meaning "goal" or "objective"
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 達成する (tassei suru) - compound verb meaning "to reach" or "to achieve"
• こと (koto) - noun indicating an abstract action or event
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the present tense and formality of the sentence