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March 24, 2026
目的mùdì(mu4di4)
目的 (mùdì) refers to a specific aim or goal that one seeks to achieve. It is commonly used in both personal and professional contexts to describe objectives in various situations, such as project goals or life aspirations.
Frequency#1500DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, setting clear objectives is often associated with the philosophy of continuous self-improvement and personal development, reflecting a collective value placed on education and achievement.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'moody' (sounds like mu4 di4) person who only feels happy when they reach their goals. Picture them holding a sign that says '目的' to remind themselves of their purpose, which keeps their spirits high.
Meanings of 目的
mùdì(mu4di4)
1purpose
2aim
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 目的
目的Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1500Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 目的
Podcast: 目的
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AI Study Notes for 目的
Quick Contrast
目标 (mùbiāo) refers to a target or objective, often implying a more quantifiable or measurable aspect than 目的 (mùdì), which can be broader and more abstract.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'moody' (sounds like mu4 di4) person who only feels happy when they reach their goals. Picture them holding a sign that says '目的' to remind themselves of their purpose, which keeps their spirits high.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context in which you use 目的; it is typically used in formal or academic settings. Common collocations include '实现目的' (to achieve a goal) and '设定目的' (to set a goal). Ensure you use the correct tones to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 目的 connects well with other words related to planning and aspiration, such as 计划 (plan) and 目标 (target). Focus on using it in sentences where you discuss intentions or outcomes.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, setting clear objectives is often associated with the philosophy of continuous self-improvement and personal development, reflecting a collective value placed on education and achievement.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 目的 with similar words like 目标 (target). For example, saying '我的目标是学习' is correct, but using 目的 in the same context might sound awkward. Use 目标 when referring to specific targets.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 目的
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Grammar Patterns of 目的
目的 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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Example Sentences for 目的 (10)
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1
关于我们的出版目的存在着某些误解。
guān yú wǒ mén de chū bǎn mù de cún zài zháo mǒu xiē wù jiě。
There has been some misunder-standing of our publishing aims.
2
你一直在无目的地更换工作，从未真正投入进去。
nǐ yī zhí zài wú mù de dì gēng huàn gōng zuò， ， cóng wèi zhēn zhèng tóu rù jìn。
You'vebeen drifting from job to job without any real commitment.
3
要参与这个节目的制作，你得够大胆。
yào cān yǔ zhè gè jié mù de zhì zuò， ， nǐ dé gòu dà。
To work on this show you've got to have balls.
4
其目的是促使人们结识邻居。
qí mù de shì cù shǐ rén mén jié shí lín jū。
The idea is to encourage people to get to know their neighbours.
5
纪律的目的是教育儿童举止得体。
jì lǜ de mù de shì jiào yù ér tóng jǔ zhǐ dé tǐ。
The aim of discipline is to teach children to behave acceptably.
6
他的目的是使空间站项目全面停止。
tā de mù de shì shǐ kōng jiān zhàn xiàng mù quán miàn tíng zhǐ。
His objective was to kill the space station project altogether.
7
我们的目的是要彻底击破围绕他的那些谣言。
wǒ mén de mù de shì yào chè dǐ jī pò wéi rào tā de nà xiē yáo yán。
Our intention was to demolish the rumours that have surrounded him.
8
重新设计的目的是多方面的，但又是简单的。
zhòng xīn shè jì de mù de shì duō fāng miàn de， ， dàn yòu shì jiǎn dān。
The aims of the redesign are wide-ranging but simple.
9
该项目的主要投资商是法国的国民信贷银行。
gāi xiàng mù de zhǔ yào tóu zī shāng shì fǎ guó de guó mín xìn dài yín háng。
The main investor in the project is the French bank Credit National.
10
该书的目的是要让经济学理论更加简单易懂。
gāi shū de mù de shì yào ràng jīng jì xué lǐ lùn gēng jiā jiǎn dān yì dǒng。
The book's aim was to make economic theory more digestible.
Cultural Notes for 目的
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, setting clear objectives is often associated with the philosophy of continuous self-improvement and personal development, reflecting a collective value placed on education and achievement.
Frequently Asked Questions about 目的
You can say '我的目的是什么？' which means 'What is my purpose?'. This question shows self-reflection.
While it can be used casually, it is more commonly found in formal writing or discussions about goals.
Yes, 目标 (biāo) usually refers to a more concrete target, while 目的 can imply a broader aim or intention.
