標的

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 標的 is read as ひょうてき and is a noun for a physical target or a person or thing singled out for attack or criticism.
• Basic usage: Aiming at an archery target appears in 標的を狙う, while being targeted for criticism appears in 批判の標的にされる.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Literal and figurative targets
  • 標的 can denote a physical shooting target or figuratively something receiving concentrated attack or criticism.
• Difference from 目標
  • 目標 is a goal or point one aims to achieve, while 標的 is an object one aims at or attacks.