Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Target in Spanish
Objetivo · noun · ob-heh-TEE-voh
The English word 'target' translates to different Spanish words depending on context: 'objetivo' for goals and aims, 'blanco' for a physical target you shoot at, 'meta' for aspirational goals, and 'diana' for a dartboard target in Spain.
For 'objetivo,' pronounced ob-heh-TEE-voh with stress on the third syllable. For 'blanco,' pronounced BLAHN-koh. For 'meta,' pronounced MEH-tah.
Nuestro objetivo principal es aumentar las ventas este trimestre.
Our main target is to increase sales this quarter.
Target in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for target, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| objetivo | target | ob-heh-TEE-voh | Default, widely understood |
| meta | target | goal-oriented context | |
| blanco | target | physical target/bullseye | |
| diana | target | Spain, dartboard target |
How Native Speakers Use Objetivo
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Business goal
Hemos alcanzado el objetivo de ventas del mes.
We have reached the monthly sales target.
Using objetivo in a professional goal-setting context.
Shooting range
El arquero dio en el blanco con su primera flecha.
The archer hit the target with his first arrow.
Physical target in sports or military contexts.
Personal aspiration
Mi meta para este año es aprender un nuevo idioma.
My target for this year is to learn a new language.
Using meta for personal achievement goals.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Objetivo
Using blanco for goals
Incorrect: Mi blanco es graduarme este año.
Correct: Mi objetivo es graduarme este año.
Blanco refers to a physical target you aim at, not an abstract goal or aspiration.
Confusing target with the store
Incorrect: Voy a comprar en el Target — voy al objetivo.
Correct: Voy a comprar en Target.
The retail store name 'Target' is not translated; it remains as a proper noun in Spanish.
Lock in Target Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Objetivo used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using objetivo in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Nuestro objetivo principal es aumentar las ventas este trimestre. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Target in Spanish
- When should I use objetivo versus meta?
- Both can mean 'target' or 'goal,' but 'objetivo' tends to be more concrete and measurable (like a sales target), while 'meta' often implies a broader aspiration or finish line.
- How do I say 'target audience' in Spanish?
- The standard marketing term is 'público objetivo' or 'audiencia objetivo,' where objetivo functions as an adjective modifying the audience noun.
- What does dar en el blanco mean figuratively?
- The expression 'dar en el blanco' means to hit the nail on the head or to be exactly right about something, extending the physical target metaphor to accuracy in speech or judgment.