目的

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The written form is 目的, read もくてき. Elements for aiming and target combine to denote the goal or reason an action is undertaken.
• Basic usage: 旅行の目的 explains what the trip is intended to accomplish, while 会議の目的 identifies the objective confirmed when a meeting begins.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A trip intended for viewing old buildings
  • Seeing old buildings is stated as the trip’s purpose. Example: 旅行の目的は古い建物を見ることです。 — The purpose of the trip is to see old buildings.
• A meeting objective shared at the start
  • Everyone confirms the meeting’s objective at the beginning. Example: 会議の目的を最初に全員で確認した。 — Everyone confirmed the meeting's objective at the beginning.