Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Purpose" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "purpose", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
目的
もくてき (mokuteki)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
趣旨
しゅし (shushi)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "purpose" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 目的 and 趣旨.
In Japanese, 目的 (もくてき (mokuteki)) is typically associated with "purpose, goal, objective" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to the reason for an action or the aim to be achieved..
On the other hand, 趣旨 (しゅし (shushi)) maps to "purpose, aim, gist, meaning" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to the main point, intention, or objective of a speech, event, project, or document.. A literal translation of "purpose" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "目的"
日本語を学ぶ目的は何ですか。
What is your purpose for learning Japanese?
Bilingual Context for "趣旨"
会議の趣旨を説明します。
I will explain the purpose of the meeting.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "日本語を学ぶ ＿＿＿ は何ですか。" (Meaning: "What is your purpose for learning Japanese?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "目的" fits here because it means "purpose, goal, objective" in the context of: "What is your purpose for learning Japanese?". "趣旨" represents "purpose, aim, gist, meaning".