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цель — meaning in English: target

tsel' · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for purpose
цель
tsel'
демократия
demokratiya
день
den'
поэзия
poeziya
Министерство
Ministerstvo
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neutral common
Usage
Native speakers use the word 'цель' in various contexts, such as in discussions about goals in life, business objectives, or even in sports when aiming for a specific target. For instance, during a meeting, someone might say, 'Наша цель — увеличить продажи на 20%,' meaning 'Our target is to increase sales by 20%.'
Synonyms & nuances
'Цель' can be closely associated with 'задача' (zadacha), which refers to a task or problem to solve. While 'цель' emphasizes the end goal or target, 'задача' focuses on the process or the steps needed to achieve that goal. Choosing 'цель' implies a broader vision, whereas 'задача' narrows down to specific actions.
Culture
The word 'цель' has its roots in ancient Slavic languages, originally signifying a 'point' or 'mark.' In Russian culture, setting goals is often emphasized, and the concept of 'цель' plays a significant role in personal development and success narratives, making it a common term in motivational literature.
FAQ
Q.What is the meaning of 'цель' in English?
'Цель' translates to 'target' or 'goal' in English, referring to an objective that someone aims to achieve.
Q.How is 'цель' used in daily conversation?
'Цель' is frequently used when discussing ambitions or plans, such as in phrases like 'Моя цель — изучать русский язык,' meaning 'My goal is to learn Russian.'
Q.Are there any common mistakes with the word 'цель'?
A common mistake is to confuse 'цель' with 'желание' (zhelanie), which means 'desire.' While both pertain to aspirations, 'цель' is specific and actionable, whereas 'желание' can be more vague and general.
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