Translation and Meaning of: 的 - mato

The Japanese word 「的」 (mato) is a noun that has a central meaning of "target" or "objective," and it is often used in contexts involving archery, target shooting, and similar activities. The expression carries with it the notion of a point of focus, whether literally or figuratively, making it a quite versatile word in the Japanese language.

Etimologically, 「的」 is composed of the ideogram that can also represent a suffix for possessive adjectives, but in the context of "mato," its meaning shifts towards the concept of something to be achieved. In kanji, it is made up of the radical 「白」 which means "white" and suggests clarity, and the component 「勺」 related to scooping or taking small amounts. This combination suggests the idea of a clearly defined target.

In the Japanese language, mato is not just a word used to describe a target in archery or hunting. It can be found in idiomatic expressions and phrases that convey the idea of focusing on results or setting goals to be achieved. It is interesting to note how this word intertwines in everyday life, reflecting both physical aspects and personal or professional goals. This symbolic duality makes the word 「的」 a fundamental expression within Japanese culture and language. It reminds us of the importance of establishing clear objectives to achieve success in our various endeavors.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 目的 (mokuteki) - objective
• 目的地 (mokutekichi) - Destination (location related to the objective)
• 目的物 (mokutekibutsu) - Object of the objective
• 目的意識 (mokuteki ishiki) - Awareness of the objective
• 目的性 (mokutekisei) - Nature of the objective
• 目的語 (mokutekigo) - Target language (in the context of a learning objective)
• 目的地探し (mokutekichi sagashi) - Search for the destination (related to the objective)
• 目的を持つ (mokuteki o motsu) - Have a goal
• 目的を果たす (mokuteki o hatasu) - Achieve a goal
• 目的を定める (mokuteki o sadameru) - Define a goal
• 目的を見失う (mokuteki o miushinau) - Lose sight of the objective
• 目的を達成する (mokuteki o tassei suru) - Achieve a goal
• 目的を追求する (mokuteki o tsuikyuu suru) - Pursue a goal
• 目的を持った (mokuteki o motta) - With a goal
• 目的を持って (mokuteki o motte) - With a goal in mind
• 目的を設定する (mokuteki o settei suru) - Set a goal
• 目的を達する (mokuteki o tatsu) - Achieve an objective (synonym of reach)
• 目的を達成した (mokuteki o tassei shita) - Objective achieved
• 目的を達成して (mokuteki o tassei shite) - After reaching the goal
• 目的を達成するために (mokuteki o tassei suru tame ni) - To achieve the goal
• 目的を達成するための (mokuteki o tassei suru tame no) - For the achievement of the objective
• 目的を達成するために必要な (mokuteki o tassei suru tame ni hitsuyou na) - Necessary to achieve the goal
• 目的を達成するための手段 (mokuteki o tassei suru tame no shudan) - Ways to achieve the goal

的

Romaji: mato
Kana: まと
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: brand; target

Meaning in English: mark;target

Definition: It refers to purpose or goal.

Example Sentences - (的) mato

See below some example sentences:

規範を守ることは社会的責任です。

Kihan wo mamoru koto wa shakaiteki sekinin desu

It is a social responsibility to protect the norm.

• 規範 (kihan) - norm, rule
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 守る (mamoru) - protect, obey
• こと (koto) - Abstract noun, in this case, "the act of obeying the rules"
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 社会的 (shakaiteki) - Social
• 責任 (sekinin) - responsibility
• です (desu) - verb "to be", in this case, indicating an affirmation

観客は熱狂的に拍手を送った。

Kankyaku wa nekkyouteki ni hakushu o okuttta

The audience applauded enthusiastically.

• 観客 (kankyaku) - Audience, crowd
• は (wa) - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "public"
• 熱狂的に (nekkyouteki ni) - enthusiastically, fervently
• 拍手 (hakushu) - applause
• を (wo) - direct object particle, indicates that "applause" is the direct object of the action "send"
• 送った (okutta) - sent, sent

逞しい男性は魅力的です。

Tsuyoshiimono wa miryokuteki desu

A strong man is attractive.

• 逞しい - Strong, robust
• 男性 - man
• は - Topic particle
• 魅力的 - attractive, charming
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

本国の文化は多様で美しいです。

Honkoku no bunka wa tayou de utsukushii desu

The culture of the home country is diverse and beautiful.

• 本国 - It means "country of origin" or "home country".
• の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
• 文化 - refers to the culture of a people or nation.
• は - particle that indicates the main theme of the sentence.
• 多様 - means "diverse" or "varied".
• で - particle that indicates the means or way in which something is done.
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful" or "pretty".
• です - verb "to be" in the polite or formal form.

清濁を分ける

Seidaku wo wakeru

Separate the pure from the unclean.

Divide the turbidity

• 清 - "dry; clear; clean"
• 濁 - "turbidity; impurity; dirt"
• を - object particle
• 分ける - "to divide; to separate; to share"