Meaning and Usage
The word 对象 (duìxiàng) primarily means "target" or "object" in contexts like research, projects, or discussions. It also commonly refers to a romantic or marriage partner, especially in everyday conversation about relationships.
Common Collocations
- 结婚对象 (jiéhūn duìxiàng): marriage partner
- 调查对象 (diàochá duìxiàng): survey target
- 项目对象 (xiàngmù duìxiàng): project target
Usage Notes
When used to mean "partner" in relationships, 对象 is a neutral and common term, suitable for casual and formal contexts. It is often used without specifying gender. In professional or academic contexts, 对象 refers to the focus or target of an activity or study.
Avoiding Confusion
Do not confuse 对象 with 目标 (mùbiāo), which also means "target" but is more abstract or goal-oriented. 对象 is more concrete, referring to a person or specific object.
Summary
Understanding 对象 helps learners talk about targets in work or study and discuss relationships naturally. Its flexibility makes it a useful word in many situations.