The word 目标 is formed by combining two characters: 目 (mù), meaning "eye", and 标 (biāo), meaning "mark" or "sign". Together, they create a vivid conceptual metaphor. The character 目 provides the imagery of vision or sight, while 标 represents a distinctive point or indicator. Thus, the compound visually and conceptually conveys the idea of a "target" or "goal" as a visible mark that one's eyes are fixed upon, an objective to be aimed at and reached.