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Translation and Meaning of: 目指す - mezasu

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 目指す (mezasu) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: mezasu

Kana: めざす

Type: verb

L: jlpt-n2

目指す

Translation / Meaning: search; keep an eye out

Meaning in English: to aim at;to have an eye on

Definition: Make a conscious effort to get things done.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (目指す) mezasu

The Japanese word 「目指す」 (mezasu), which can be translated into Portuguese as "aim" or "target," is often used to indicate the intention or objective of reaching a certain purpose, goal, or destination. The etymology of the word consists of two kanji characters: 「目」 (me), which means "eye" or "sight," and 「指す」 (sasu), which means "to point" or "to indicate." Thus, combining the meanings of the kanji, 「目指す」 refers to directing the gaze or attention towards a specific target or objective.

Historically, the origin of the word may be related to the symbolic idea of directing one's gaze or attention toward something valuable or important, like a sailor pointing his gaze toward the horizon in search of distant lands. The verb 「指す」 (sasu) by itself is used in various situations to indicate direction, whether literal or figurative, such as "pointing to the North" or "pointing out a solution." When combined with 「目」 (me), it reinforces this idea of direction and focus, transforming the expression into a strong concept of goal and determination.

In everyday use, 「目指す」 (mezasu) is flexible and can be employed in different contexts, such as academic, professional, or personal situations. For example, someone may 『目指す』 a new job, a professional promotion, or even a personal goal like executing a project or learning a new skill. It is not uncommon to hear the expression in motivational speeches or in contexts discussing overcoming challenges and achievements.

Moreover, 「目指す」 has a connotation of proactivity, implying that a person is not only looking towards something but also taking steps to achieve their goal. This nuance of action and intention makes the word a popular choice when talking about the determination and effort needed to achieve difficult objectives, a concept highly valued in Japanese culture through inspiring stories of hard work and perseverance.

Verbal conjugation of 目指す

See below a small list of verb conjugations: 目指す (mezasu)

  • 目指す - Dictionary form
  • 目指します - Polite form
  • 目指せ - Imperative form
  • 目指せる - Potential form
  • 目指している - Continuous form
  • 目指した - Passed form

Synonyms and similar words

  • 目標とする (mokuhyō to suru) - Define as a goal.
  • 目的とする (mokuteki to suru) - Define a purpose.
  • 目指す (mezasu) - To aim or have as a goal.
  • 目標にする (mokuhyō ni suru) - Become a goal.
  • 目的にする (mokuteki ni suru) - Become a purpose.
  • 目指し求める (mezasu motomeru) - To seek or aspire to a goal.
  • 追求する (tsuikyū suru) - To seek or actively pursue something.
  • 追い求める (oi motomeru) - Pursue what you desire.
  • 追いかける (oi kakeru) - To physically pursue someone or something.
  • 追う (ou) - To pursue or to follow.
  • 狙う (nerau) - Look or try to reach something specific.
  • 狙いを定める (nerai o sadameru) - Set a specific target.
  • 狙いをつける (nerai o tsukeru) - Define a target to be achieved.
  • 狙いを向ける (nerai o mukeru) - Directing focus to a goal.
  • 狙いを射る (nerai o iru) - Achieve the target you aim for.
  • 狙いを定めて進む (nerai o sadamete susumu) - Move forward with a defined goal.
  • 狙いを定めて努力する (nerai o sadamete doryoku suru) - Strive with a defined target.
  • 狙いを定めて目指す (nerai o sadamete mezasu) - Aim for a specific defined target.
  • 狙いを定めて追求する (nerai o sadamete tsuikyū suru) - Actively search with a defined target.
  • 狙いを定めて追いかける (nerai o sadamete oi kakeru) - Actively pursue with a defined target.
  • 狙いを定めて追う (nerai o sadamete ou) - Proceed with a specific target set.
  • 狙いを定めて狙う (nerai o sadamete nerau) - Aim for a target that has been set.

SEARCH FOR MORE WORDS WITH THE SAME MEANING

Words related

目標

mokuhyou

brand; goal; target

向ける

mukeru

To turn; to point

転換

tenkan

to convert; to dodge

勤める

tsutomeru

serve; fill in a post; serve under; strive; strive; be diligent; play (the part of); work (for)

shi

order; sequence; times; Next; below

志す

kokorozasu

to plan; to intend; aspire; set goals (targets)

Words with the same pronunciation: めざす mezasu

How to Write in Japanese - (目指す) mezasu

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese (目指す) mezasu:

Example Sentences - (目指す) mezasu

Below are some example sentences:

下位のポジションから上を目指す。

Kawai no pojishon kara ue o mezasu

Aiming high from a lower position.

Aim from the bottom position.

  • 下位 - means "lower position".
  • の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two words.
  • ポジション - a word borrowed from English meaning "position".
  • から - particle indicating origin or starting point.
  • 上 - means "superior".
  • を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
  • 目指す - verb meaning "to aim for" or "to aim at".
完璧を目指す。

Kanpeki wo mezasu

Aiming for perfection.

Aim for perfection.

  • 完璧 (kanpeki) - perfection
  • を (wo) - object particle
  • 目指す (mezasu) - aim, aim
頂点を目指して努力し続ける。

Chouten wo mezashite doryoku shitsuzukeru

Keep striving to reach the top.

Keep aiming for the top.

  • 頂点 - top, peak
  • を - direct object particle
  • 目指して - aim, aim
  • 努力 - effort, commitment
  • し続ける - keep doing
私は昇進を目指して頑張ります。

Watashi wa shōshin o mezashite ganbarimasu

I will strive to get promoted.

I will do my best to promote.

  • 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun meaning "I"
  • は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
  • 昇進 (shoushin) - Japanese noun meaning "promotion"
  • を (wo) - object particle indicating the direct object of the action
  • 目指して (mezashite) - Japanese verb meaning "to aim" or "to aim for"
  • 頑張ります (ganbarimasu) - Japanese verb meaning "to do one's best" or "to strive"
勝ちを目指して頑張ります。

Kachi wo mezashite ganbarimasu

I will strive to achieve victory.

I will do my best to win.

  • 勝ち - victory
  • を - object particle
  • 目指して - aiming, aiming
  • 頑張ります - I'll do my best, I'll make an effort
この会社は優秀な人材を採用することを目指しています。

Kono kaisha wa yūshūna jinzai o saiyō suru koto o mezashite imasu

This company aims to hire exceptional talent.

The company intends to hire excellent human resources.

  • この会社 - This company
  • は - Topic particle
  • 優秀な - Great
  • 人材 - Human Resources
  • を - Direct Object Particle
  • 採用する - Hire
  • こと - Abstract noun
  • を - Direct Object Particle
  • 目指しています - It is aimed at
公平な社会を目指しましょう。

Kouhei na shakai wo mezashimashou

Let's look for a fair society.

  • 公平な - adjective meaning "fair" or "impartial"
  • 社会 - noun meaning "society"
  • を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
  • 目指しましょう - verb meaning "to seek" or "to aim for", conjugated in the polite imperative
共に歩む未来を目指そう。

Tomoni ayumu mirai wo mezasou

Let's seek together a future to walk.

Point to the future where you walk together.

  • 共に - together
  • 歩む - walking, moving forward
  • 未来 - future
  • を - object particle
  • 目指そう - let's strive to achieve
文明な社会を目指しましょう。

Bunmei na shakai wo mezashimashou

Let's look for a civil society.

  • 文明な - civilized
  • 社会 - society
  • を - direct object particle
  • 目指しましょう - let's strive to achieve

Other words of the same type: verb

See other words from our dictionary that are also: verb

目指す