목적 (mok-jeok, mokjeok) · 결과 (gyeol-gwa, gyeolgwa)
목적 refers to the goal or intention behind an action, while 결과 refers to the outcome or effect after the action is completed.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
The goal or intention behind an action or plan
When to use
Planning, Setting goals, Intention of action
The nuance
목적 refers to the reason or goal for doing something and is future-oriented. It is used to indicate the direction or intention of a plan or action.
The state or effect that appears after an action or event is completed
When to use
Post-action state, Cause and effect, Result analysis
The nuance
결과 refers to the state or effect that appears after an action or event has ended and is past-oriented. It is mainly used to explain cause-and-effect relationships.
나는 시험에 합격하는 것이 내 목적이다.
na-neun si-heom-e hap-gyeok-ha-neun geos-i nae mok-jeok-i-da., na neun si heom e hap gyeok ha neun geos i nae mok jeok i da.
목적 indicates a goal or intention, so 'passing the exam' fits as a 목적.
시험에 합격하는 것이 내 결과이다.
si-heom-e hap-gyeok-ha-neun geos-i nae gyeol-gwa-i-da., si heom e hap gyeok ha neun geos i nae gyeol gwa i da.
결과 refers to an outcome after an action; passing the exam is a goal, not a past outcome here.
그 프로젝트의 결과는 매출 증가였다.
geu peu-ro-jek-teu-ui gyeol-gwa-neun mae-chul jeung-ga-yeoss-da., geu peu ro jek teu ui gyeol gwa neun mae chul jeung ga yeoss da.
Describes the state after the project ended, so 결과 is appropriate.
그 프로젝트의 목적은 매출 증가였다.
geu peu-ro-jek-teu-ui mok-jeok-eun mae-chul jeung-ga-yeoss-da., geu peu ro jek teu ui mok jeok eun mae chul jeung ga yeoss da.
States the goal of the project, so 목적 is correct.
결과를 보고 계획을 수정했다.
gyeol-gwa-reul bo-go gye-hoek-eul su-jeong-haess-da., gyeol gwa reul bo go gye hoek eul su jeong haess da.
Refers to reviewing past outcomes to adjust plans, so 결과 fits.
목적을 보고 계획을 수정했다.
mok-jeok-eul bo-go gye-hoek-eul su-jeong-haess-da., mok jeok eul bo go gye hoek eul su jeong haess da.
목적 is future-oriented; it doesn't fit for reviewing past states to adjust plans.
그의 목적은 성공이었다.
geu-ui mok-jeok-eun seong-gong-i-eoss-da., geu ui mok jeok eun seong gong i eoss da.
Indicates a goal (success), so 목적 is appropriate.
그의 결과는 성공이었다.
geu-ui gyeol-gwa-neun seong-gong-i-eoss-da., geu ui gyeol gwa neun seong gong i eoss da.
결과 implies a past outcome; without context, this sentence is unnatural.
Which sentence correctly uses '목적'?
Which sentence correctly uses '결과'?
Which sentence is least related to '목적'?
