1.
goal (sports)
The area or structure into which a ball must be sent to score, or the act of scoring.
2.
goal, finish line
The end point of a race or journey.
3.
goal, objective
An aim or desired result that one works toward.
ゴール is a loanword from English "goal" used across three contexts: sports scoring, finish lines, and objectives.
Sports
Finish line
- ゴールする: to reach the finish line (used as a suru verb)
- ゴールイン: reaching the goal/finish line
Objective
Similar words
- 目標: target, objective (more formal, emphasizes a concrete measurable aim)
- 目的: purpose, objective (emphasizes the reason or purpose behind an action)
Usage
ゴールイン can also colloquially mean "getting married" — reaching the "finish line" of a relationship.
Related Words
Antonym:
スタート (start, beginning)
Compare:
目標 (target, objective)
Compare:
目的 (purpose, objective)
Compare:
完走 (finishing a race)