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How to Say "target" in Spanish

English → Spanish

meta

MEH-tah/ˈme.ta/

nounA1general
Use 'meta' when referring to a personal goal or aspiration you want to achieve in the future, similar to 'goal' or 'aim'.
A simple red and white bullseye target placed on a stand in a green field, symbolizing an objective.

Examples

Mi meta es hablar español fluidamente este año.

My goal is to speak Spanish fluently this year.

Necesitamos establecer metas claras para el proyecto.

We need to establish clear objectives for the project.

Lograr esta meta será un gran éxito.

Achieving this goal will be a great success.

Always Feminine

'Meta' is a feminine noun, so you must always use feminine words like 'la' or 'una' before it, even though it looks like some masculine nouns that end in '-a' (like 'el problema').

Using the wrong verb

Mistake: “Hacer una meta.”

Correction: Establecer/Fijar una meta. (Use 'to establish' or 'to set' instead of 'to make' for goals.)

objetivo

ohb-heh-TEE-voh/oβ.xeˈti.βo/

nounA2general
Use 'objetivo' for a specific, measurable aim or target, often in a professional, academic, or strategic context, or for something you physically aim to hit.
A simplified character standing on the summit of a mountain with arms raised in triumph, symbolizing achieving a goal.

Examples

Mi objetivo principal este año es aprender a cocinar.

My main goal this year is to learn how to cook.

Necesitamos un plan claro para alcanzar el objetivo.

We need a clear plan to reach the objective.

El equipo no pudo cumplir con el objetivo de ventas trimestral.

The team could not meet the quarterly sales target.

Masculine Noun

Even though it ends in '-o', 'objetivo' is always masculine (el objetivo, un objetivo) when it means a goal or aim.

Using 'objetivo' instead of 'propósito'

Mistake: “Mi objetivo en la vida es ser feliz.”

Correction: Mi propósito en la vida es ser feliz. (Propósito is usually better for big, overarching life intentions; objetivo is better for specific, measurable tasks.)

blanco

/BLAHN-ko//ˈblaŋko/

nounB1general
Use 'blanco' for the literal target you aim at, like a bullseye in shooting or a mark to be hit, both physically and figuratively.
A wooden archery target with red and white rings, perfectly struck in the center bullseye by an arrow.

Examples

El arquero le dio al blanco.

The archer hit the target.

Los turistas son un blanco fácil para los estafadores.

Tourists are an easy target for scammers.

Nuestro blanco principal es aumentar las ventas.

Our main objective is to increase sales.

diana

dee-AH-nah/ˈdja.na/

nounB1specific
Use 'diana' specifically for the target in archery or darts, often implying the bullseye.
A close-up view of a circular target showing the central bullseye painted red, surrounded by white and black concentric rings.

Examples

El arquero apuntó y golpeó la diana con su primera flecha.

The archer aimed and hit the bullseye with his first arrow.

Si quieres ganar en los dardos, tienes que dar en la diana.

If you want to win at darts, you have to hit the target (bullseye).

Su propuesta dio en la diana; fue exactamente lo que el jefe quería.

His proposal hit the mark; it was exactly what the boss wanted.

Using the Feminine Article

Since 'diana' is a feminine noun, always use 'la' or 'una' before it: 'la diana' (the bullseye) or 'una diana' (a target).

Confusing Target Words

Mistake: “Using 'el objetivo' when referring to a physical target for shooting.”

Correction: Use 'la diana' for the physical spot you aim at in sports. 'Objetivo' usually means a goal or aim.

Goal vs. Physical Target

Learners often confuse 'meta' and 'objetivo' with 'blanco' and 'diana'. Remember that 'meta' and 'objetivo' refer to abstract goals or aims, while 'blanco' and 'diana' are for physical targets you shoot or aim at.

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