目的是...
The purpose is...
Wörtlich: Purpose (目的) is (是)...
Use `目的是...` whenever you want to clarify your goals and avoid any possible misunderstanding.
In 15 Sekunden
- Use it to explain the 'why' behind any specific action.
- Perfect for business meetings, emails, and clear personal explanations.
- Follow the pattern: [Action] + 目的是 + [Goal].
Bedeutung
This is a direct way to explain the 'why' behind an action. It is like saying 'the goal is...' or 'the point of this is...' to make your intentions crystal clear.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Explaining a diet to a friend
我不吃晚饭，目的是减肥。
I'm skipping dinner; the purpose is to lose weight.
A boss explaining a new rule
我们增加这项规定，目的是提高效率。
We are adding this regulation; the purpose is to increase efficiency.
Texting a crush about a 'random' meet-up
我给你发信息，目的是想问你要不要喝咖啡。
I'm messaging you; the purpose is to ask if you want coffee.
Kultureller Hintergrund
While traditional Chinese culture often values 'reading between the lines,' modern urban life has embraced directness. This phrase is a staple of the 'efficiency culture' in cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen. It is frequently used in 'PPD' (PowerPoint Design) culture within Chinese tech companies to define KPIs.
Keep it simple
Don't overcomplicate the goal. Use a simple verb phrase after `目的是...` for the most impact.
Don't be a robot
If you use this for every single action, you'll sound like a textbook. Save it for when the 'why' actually matters.
In 15 Sekunden
- Use it to explain the 'why' behind any specific action.
- Perfect for business meetings, emails, and clear personal explanations.
- Follow the pattern: [Action] + 目的是 + [Goal].
What It Means
目的是... is your go-to tool for clarity. It literally means "The purpose is..." and it helps you bridge the gap between an action and its goal. Think of it as a logical arrow pointing toward your desired outcome. It is simple, direct, and impossible to misunderstand.
How To Use It
Place the action first, then follow up with 目的是.... For example: "I am studying Chinese, 目的是 to travel to Beijing." You can also start a sentence with it to set the stage. It usually precedes a verb or a short clause. It is like the 'because' of the professional world, but focused on the future instead of the past.
When To Use It
You will use this in meetings to explain a new project. Use it when explaining a gift to a friend so they don't get the wrong idea. It is perfect for emails when you need to be brief. Use it when you are justifying a lifestyle change, like waking up at 5 AM. It keeps your conversations organized and purposeful.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it for very small, obvious things. Don't say "I am eating, 目的是 to not be hungry." That sounds like a robot trying to pass for human. In very intimate or romantic settings, it might feel a bit too cold or clinical. If you are just chatting about your day, 为了 (for the sake of) often feels more natural and less like a PowerPoint slide.
Cultural Background
Chinese communication can sometimes be indirect or high-context. Using 目的是 is a way to step out of that and be explicit. It reflects a modern, efficiency-focused side of Chinese culture. It is very common in business and education where clear objectives are highly valued. It shows you are a person with a plan.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more formal, try 其目的是... (the purpose of which is...). For a more casual vibe, you might just use 是为了 (is for...). If you are talking about a secret motive, you might hear 动机是 (the motive is). But for 90% of situations, 目的是 is the gold standard for clarity.
Nutzungshinweise
This phrase sits comfortably in the 'neutral' zone. It is professional enough for a CEO but simple enough for a coffee date. Just remember to follow it with a clear action or state.
Keep it simple
Don't overcomplicate the goal. Use a simple verb phrase after `目的是...` for the most impact.
Don't be a robot
If you use this for every single action, you'll sound like a textbook. Save it for when the 'why' actually matters.
The 'Face' Saver
In China, using `目的是` can help save face. By stating your purpose clearly, you prevent others from guessing wrong and causing an awkward situation.
Beispiele
6我不吃晚饭，目的是减肥。
I'm skipping dinner; the purpose is to lose weight.
Directly links a habit to a specific health goal.
我们增加这项规定，目的是提高效率。
We are adding this regulation; the purpose is to increase efficiency.
Professional and authoritative tone.
我给你发信息，目的是想问你要不要喝咖啡。
I'm messaging you; the purpose is to ask if you want coffee.
A bit bold and clear, leaves no room for guessing.
我藏起来，目的是想吓你一下，不是要弄坏杯子！
I hid; the purpose was to scare you, not to break the cup!
Used here to clarify intent after an accident.
我送你这本书，目的是希望你能开心点。
I'm giving you this book; the purpose is hoping you'll feel a bit happier.
Shows care and specific emotional intent.
这次会议的目的是讨论明年的预算。
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss next year's budget.
Standard opening for a formal gathering.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best word to complete the sentence explaining why you are learning Chinese.
我学习中文，___ 是为了去中国工作。
`目的是` correctly identifies the goal of the action.
Complete the professional sentence.
我们开会的 ___ 是解决客户的问题。
While `目标` (target) is close, `目的` (purpose) is the standard term for the 'why' of a meeting.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Spectrum of 'Purpose'
Just saying 'for' (为了)
为了好玩。
Standard 'The purpose is' (目的是)
目的是学习。
Written style 'Its purpose is' (其目的是)
其目的是优化流程。
Where to use 目的是
Office Meeting
Explain project goals
Gym / Fitness
Explain your workout
Classroom
Explain a study plan
Texting Friends
Clarify a suggestion
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNot necessarily! It sounds clear and logical. If you want to be even more casual, you can use 是为了 (is for the sake of).
Yes! You can say 我的目的是... (My purpose is...) to start your sentence with your goal.
目的 is the 'why' or the intention, while 目标 is the specific 'target' or measurable result.
It is perfect for emails! It helps the reader understand your request immediately without reading a long paragraph.
Yes, you can say 目的是为了避免错误 (the purpose is to avoid mistakes).
Simply add 主要 (main) to get 主要目的是....
Both! It is incredibly versatile and appears in everything from casual chats to legal documents.
Absolutely. 我给你打电话，目的是... is a very polite and clear way to start a phone call.
Forgetting the 是. Some people just say 目的..., but you need the 'is' to connect it to your goal.
It sounds assertive, not aggressive. It shows you are confident about what you want.
Verwandte Redewendungen
是为了
Is for the sake of / In order to
目标是
The target/goal is
打算
To plan / Intend to
意图
Intention (more formal/serious)
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