aim

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 狙 has 8 strokes and expresses aiming at a target or choosing an opportunity.
• Basic usage: 狙う is read ねらう, and 狙い目 is read ねらいめ.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Targets and favorable opportunities
  • 的を慎重に狙った means carefully aimed at a target.
  • 昼過ぎを狙って instead targets a time, choosing just after noon when the shop is expected to be quiet.
  • 狙い目かもしれない suggests that something may be a worthwhile opportunity or purchase.