Inklingo

How to Say "to target" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to target” is “orientar” — use 'orientar' when 'to target' refers to directing a campaign, product, or effort towards a specific audience or market..

English → Spanish

orientar

/oh-ryen-TAR//oɾjenˈtaɾ/

verbB2marketing or audience
Use 'orientar' when 'to target' refers to directing a campaign, product, or effort towards a specific audience or market.
A colorful group of children looking at a bright toy display specifically designed for them.

Examples

Han decidido orientar la campaña publicitaria a los jóvenes.

They have decided to target the advertising campaign at young people.

Debemos orientar nuestros esfuerzos a mejorar la calidad.

We must aim our efforts at improving quality.

Este curso está orientado a principiantes.

This course is geared towards beginners.

Passive Guidance

You will often see this as 'estar orientado a'. This describes what something is designed for or who it's made for.

Using 'para' instead of 'a'

Mistake: “El libro está orientado para niños.”

Correction: El libro está orientado a niños. (While 'para' is understood, 'a' is the standard way to show the target in Spanish.)

victimar

/beek-tee-MAHR//bik.tiˈmaɾ/

verbB2to single someone out for harm
Use 'victimar' when 'to target' means to single someone out with the intention of harming or killing them.
A silhouette of a figure standing over a fallen shadow on the ground in a dark, moody setting.

Examples

El guardia fue victimado durante el asalto al banco.

The guard was killed during the bank robbery.

Es trágico ver cómo siguen victimando a personas inocentes en el conflicto.

It is tragic to see how they continue to target/kill innocent people in the conflict.

Los delincuentes victimaron al testigo antes del juicio.

The criminals murdered the witness before the trial.

The Personal 'A'

Since this verb describes an action happening to a person, you must use the word 'a' before the person being harmed. For example: 'Victimaron a tres testigos'.

Passive Voice Usage

In news headlines, you will often see this in the passive form (was victimized/killed). Example: 'Fue victimado' (He was killed).

Victimar vs. Victimizar

Mistake: “Using 'victimar' when you mean someone is acting like a victim for attention.”

Correction: Use 'victimizar' or 'hacerse la víctima' for psychological victimization or playing the victim; 'victimar' is usually for the physical act of harm or killing.

Marketing vs. Harm

The most common mistake is using 'orientar' when a more serious context of harm is intended, or vice-versa. Remember, 'orientar' is for audiences and campaigns, while 'victimar' implies malicious intent to harm or kill.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.