Definitions
(noun)
eye
(noun)
section; item; entry
(noun)
goal; aim
Etymology
Pictograph of an eye.
About
The character "目" originated as a pictograph of an eye, with its earliest depictions gradually stylizing into the modern form of a vertical rectangle enclosing two horizontal strokes that suggest a pupil. Its core meaning of "eye" extended metaphorically to represent items or entries in a list, drawing from the concept of the eye scanning discrete objects. Structurally, it functions as a standalone logograph and as a semantic component, or radical, in numerous characters related to vision, such as "睡" and "眉", where it contributes the element of ocular reference. The traditional form of this character is identical to its contemporary standard writing.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我目前在家。
我的目标是成功。
他目光中充满希望。
这本书的目录很长。
我们有一个新项目。
物理是我喜欢的科目。
为了达到这个目的，我们需要更多时间。
他通过目测大致估算了距离。