atteindre l' objectif
to atteindre a objective
Literally: to reach the objective
Use this phrase to announce a successful achievement or to discuss professional and personal targets.
In 15 Seconds
- Hitting a specific target or goal.
- Common in business, sports, and personal growth.
- Requires careful conjugation of the verb 'atteindre'.
Meaning
It means successfully hitting a target or completing a goal you've set for yourself. It is that satisfying moment when your hard work finally pays off and you cross the finish line.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
Nous avons enfin atteint l'objectif de vente annuel.
We have finally reached the annual sales goal.
Talking about fitness
J'ai atteint mon objectif : j'ai perdu cinq kilos.
I reached my goal: I lost five kilos.
Texting a friend about a project
Objectif atteint ! Le dossier est envoyé.
Goal achieved! The file is sent.
Cultural Background
In France, the concept of 'objectifs' is central to the education system and professional life, reflecting a culture that values structured progress. The phrase gained even more prominence with the rise of modern corporate management in the 1980s. It is also famously associated with the Tintin adventure 'Objectif Lune', which cemented the word in the popular imagination as something ambitious and exciting.
The 'GN' Rule
When conjugating `atteindre` in the plural (nous, vous, ils), don't forget the 'gn' sound! It's `atteignons`, not `atteindons`.
Don't get physical
Remember, this is for abstract goals. If you are physically reaching for a glass of water, use the verb `attraper` or `prendre` instead.
In 15 Seconds
- Hitting a specific target or goal.
- Common in business, sports, and personal growth.
- Requires careful conjugation of the verb 'atteindre'.
What It Means
This phrase is all about success and achievement. It describes the act of fulfilling a specific purpose or hitting a milestone. Think of it as the 'mission accomplished' moment. It implies that there was a plan or a target in place. Now, you have finally arrived at that point. It is very satisfying to say!
How To Use It
You use the verb atteindre followed by l'objectif. Remember that atteindre is a bit tricky to conjugate. In the present tense, it goes: j'atteins, nous atteignons. If you are talking about a specific goal, you can say mon objectif or cet objectif. You will often see it paired with verbs like fixer (to set). For example, you set a goal, then you reach it. It is a very active and positive expression.
When To Use It
Use this in professional settings constantly. It is the bread and butter of French office talk. Use it when discussing sales targets or project deadlines. It also works perfectly for personal fitness or hobbies. If you finally ran that 5k, you atteint l'objectif. You can even use it when texting a friend about finishing a difficult task. It sounds motivated and focused.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for physical destinations like a city. If you arrive in Paris, use arriver à Paris, not atteindre l'objectif de Paris. That sounds like you are invading it! Also, avoid it for very small, effortless things. You don't atteindre l'objectif of picking up milk from the store. That is just a chore. Keep it for things that require a bit of effort or planning.
Cultural Background
French culture places a high value on 'le mérite' (merit) and 'la rigueur' (discipline). Reaching an objective is seen as a sign of a serious, reliable person. In the French workplace, the 'entretien annuel' (annual review) revolves entirely around these 'objectifs'. It is a very Cartesian way of looking at life. You define a point, you build a path, and you reach it. Even the famous comic Tintin has a book called 'Objectif Lune'!
Common Variations
You might hear remplir un objectif which means to fulfill it. Another one is toucher au but, which is more poetic, like 'nearing the finish line'. If you want to sound more casual, you can just say Objectif atteint ! as a standalone exclamation. It is like saying 'Goal achieved!' or 'Check!'
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any context where success is discussed. The main difficulty for learners is the irregular conjugation of the verb `atteindre`.
The 'GN' Rule
When conjugating `atteindre` in the plural (nous, vous, ils), don't forget the 'gn' sound! It's `atteignons`, not `atteindons`.
Don't get physical
Remember, this is for abstract goals. If you are physically reaching for a glass of water, use the verb `attraper` or `prendre` instead.
The Tintin Connection
If you want to sound culturally savvy, mention 'Objectif Lune'. It's a famous Tintin book and every French person knows the title!
Examples
6Nous avons enfin atteint l'objectif de vente annuel.
We have finally reached the annual sales goal.
This is the most common professional use of the phrase.
J'ai atteint mon objectif : j'ai perdu cinq kilos.
I reached my goal: I lost five kilos.
Used here for a personal health milestone.
Objectif atteint ! Le dossier est envoyé.
Goal achieved! The file is sent.
A short, punchy way to celebrate a small win.
Pour atteindre l'objectif, il faut rester concentrés.
To reach the objective, we must stay focused.
Used here to motivate others toward a collective goal.
Mon seul objectif aujourd'hui est d'atteindre le canapé.
My only goal today is to reach the couch.
Using a formal phrase for a lazy task creates humor.
Elle a tout sacrifié pour atteindre cet objectif.
She sacrificed everything to reach this goal.
Shows the weight and importance of a long-term ambition.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form of the verb 'atteindre' for the subject 'Nous'.
Nous ___ l'objectif ensemble.
The present tense for 'nous' with -indre verbs adds a 'gn' before the ending.
Complete the sentence with the correct article.
Il est difficile d'atteindre ___ objectif sans plan.
While 'l'objectif' is common, 'un objectif' is used when speaking about a general goal.
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Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Atteindre l'objectif'
Used as a quick shout-out of success.
Objectif atteint !
Standard use for personal goals or hobbies.
J'espère atteindre mon objectif.
Standard in business reports and meetings.
La société a atteint ses objectifs.
Where to use 'Atteindre l'objectif'
At the Gym
Lifting a heavier weight.
In the Office
Finishing a quarterly report.
Learning French
Passing the B2 exam.
Financial Planning
Saving for a new car.
Frequently Asked Questions
11 questionsIt means to reach or achieve a goal you have set. For example, J'ai atteint mon objectif de sport (I reached my sports goal).
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without it sounding weird.
The past participle is atteint. So you would say J'ai atteint or Nous avons atteint.
Not really. Use arriver à for places. Atteindre is for metaphorical targets or milestones.
They are very similar. Un but is often more general or long-term, while un objectif feels more specific and measurable.
Yes, absolutely! Atteindre son but is a very common and correct variation.
Not exactly slang, but people might say C'est dans la poche ! (It's in the bag!) when a goal is reached.
No, you don't 'reach' a person with this phrase. You reach a target or a level.
Forgetting the 't' at the end of the past participle atteint. It's silent, but it's there!
You would say Je suis en train d'atteindre l'objectif, though it's more common to talk about it once it's done.
Yes, very often! Coaches use it to talk about winning a match or reaching a certain ranking.
Related Phrases
relever un défi
toucher au but
remplir sa mission
viser haut
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