atteindre un objectif
to reach a goal
Literally: to attain an objective
Use this phrase to celebrate successfully completing a specific, intended target or ambition.
In 15 Seconds
- Successfully hitting a target you set.
- Common in business, fitness, and personal growth.
- Implies effort, planning, and a final result.
Meaning
This phrase describes the satisfying moment when you successfully hit a target you set for yourself. It is like crossing the finish line after a long race or finally finishing a difficult project.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
Nous avons enfin atteint notre objectif de vente ce mois-ci.
We finally reached our sales goal this month.
Talking about fitness
J'ai atteint mon objectif : j'ai couru mon premier marathon !
I reached my goal: I ran my first marathon!
Texting a friend about a small win
Objectif atteint ! J'ai fini tout mon ménage avant midi.
Goal reached! I finished all my cleaning before noon.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects a shift in French society toward goal-oriented achievement, influenced by global business culture. While traditionally the French focused on 'l'art de vivre,' modern professional life heavily emphasizes 'les objectifs' and 'la performance.' It is now a staple of both corporate language and personal development circles in France.
The 'Attendre' Trap
Be careful! `Attendre` means to wait. `Atteindre` means to reach. They sound similar but have very different outcomes for your goals!
Conjugation Secret
The 'g' in `atteindre` disappears in the past participle `atteint`. It only shows up in plural present forms like `nous atteignons`.
In 15 Seconds
- Successfully hitting a target you set.
- Common in business, fitness, and personal growth.
- Implies effort, planning, and a final result.
What It Means
Atteindre un objectif is all about success. You had a plan. You worked hard. Now, you have arrived at the result. It is not just about luck. It implies effort and direction. Think of it as hitting the bullseye on a target. It feels rewarding and final.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase with almost any target. Use it for personal growth. Use it for professional milestones. You will often see it with possessive adjectives. For example, mon objectif or notre objectif. The verb atteindre is a bit tricky to conjugate. It follows the pattern of peindre or éteindre. In the past tense, it becomes j'ai atteint. Keep that 't' at the end in mind!
When To Use It
This phrase is perfect for the office. Use it during performance reviews. It also works great in the gym. Tell your trainer you reached your weight goal. You can even use it for small daily wins. Did you drink enough water today? Then you atteint votre objectif. It is a very versatile and positive expression.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for physical locations. If you arrive at the train station, use arriver. Saying you atteint la gare sounds like a military mission. Also, avoid it for simple accidents. You don't atteindre un objectif by tripping and falling into success. It requires intention. Finally, don't confuse atteindre with attendre. One means to reach, the other means to wait. Waiting for a goal won't help you reach it!
Cultural Background
French culture values 'le mérite' or merit. Reaching a goal is seen as a sign of character. In recent years, the 'start-up nation' vibe in France has made this phrase very common. You will hear it in every Parisian co-working space. It reflects a modern, driven society. However, the French also value the journey, not just the result. So, reaching the goal is good, but doing it with style is better.
Common Variations
You might hear remplir un objectif. This means to fulfill a goal. If you do better than expected, use dépasser un objectif. That means you exceeded it. If you are still working on it, you are en train d'atteindre your goal. If the goal is very far away, it might feel inatteignable. Let's hope your French goals aren't that far!
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and highly versatile. Be careful with the conjugation of 'atteindre' in the present tense (j'atteins, nous atteignons).
The 'Attendre' Trap
Be careful! `Attendre` means to wait. `Atteindre` means to reach. They sound similar but have very different outcomes for your goals!
Conjugation Secret
The 'g' in `atteindre` disappears in the past participle `atteint`. It only shows up in plural present forms like `nous atteignons`.
The 'SMART' Goal
French people use the English acronym SMART (Spécifique, Mesurable, Atteignable, Réaliste, Temporel) just like in English-speaking countries.
Examples
6Nous avons enfin atteint notre objectif de vente ce mois-ci.
We finally reached our sales goal this month.
Very standard usage in a professional setting.
J'ai atteint mon objectif : j'ai couru mon premier marathon !
I reached my goal: I ran my first marathon!
Used here to express personal pride in an achievement.
Objectif atteint ! J'ai fini tout mon ménage avant midi.
Goal reached! I finished all my cleaning before noon.
Short and punchy for a casual text message.
Mon seul objectif aujourd'hui était d'atteindre le frigo.
My only goal today was to reach the fridge.
Using a formal-sounding phrase for a lazy task creates humor.
Après des années d'études, elle a enfin atteint son objectif de devenir avocate.
After years of study, she finally reached her goal of becoming a lawyer.
Highlights the long-term dedication involved.
Si on travaille ensemble, on va atteindre cet objectif rapidement.
If we work together, we will reach this goal quickly.
Used to motivate a group toward a common target.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form of the verb 'atteindre' in the past tense.
Hier, j'ai enfin ___ mon objectif de lecture.
The past participle of 'atteindre' is 'atteint' with a 't'.
Complete the sentence with the most logical word.
Pour réussir, il faut d'abord se fixer un ___.
'Objectif' means goal, while 'objet' is a physical thing and 'objection' is a disagreement.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'Atteindre un objectif'
Shortened for texts or quick wins.
Objectif atteint !
Standard everyday use for personal goals.
J'ai atteint mon objectif.
Used in reports or official speeches.
Nous sommes parvenus à atteindre les objectifs fixés.
Where to use 'Atteindre un objectif'
At the Office
Hitting a sales target.
At the Gym
Lifting a specific weight.
Language Learning
Passing a B1 exam.
Personal Finance
Saving for a new car.
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt means to successfully reach or achieve a target you have set. For example, J'ai atteint mon objectif de perte de poids (I reached my weight loss goal).
Yes, it is very common. You can say Objectif atteint ! when you finish something together, like building furniture or finishing a hike.
Generally, no. Use arriver à for places. Use atteindre for abstract targets or metaphorical destinations.
You use the verb se fixer. For example: Je me suis fixé un objectif (I set a goal for myself).
It is neutral. It works in a professional report but is also perfectly fine in a casual conversation about your hobbies.
You can say échouer à atteindre un objectif (to fail to reach a goal) or simply rater son objectif (to miss one's goal).
Absolutely. It is very common in sports contexts, like atteindre l'objectif de points (to reach the points goal).
Objectif is often more concrete and measurable, while but can be more general or philosophical, though they are often used as synonyms.
It sounds like 'ah-tan'. The 't' at the end is silent unless followed by a vowel in a liaison.
Not exactly slang, but people might say C'est dans la poche ! (It's in the bag!) to mean they have reached their goal.
Yes, you can say réaliser un objectif, but atteindre is more common when focusing on the specific target point.
Use the verb dépasser. For example: J'ai dépassé mes objectifs cette année (I exceeded my goals this year).
Related Phrases
réaliser un rêve
relever un défi
parvenir à ses fins
remplir sa mission
toucher au but
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