对象 duìxiàng target
target; object; partner; boyfriend; girlfriend
How to remember 对象: 对 correct + 象 elephant = target.
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How it is used
- Two big senses: the target/object of an action (研究对象 subject of study) and a romantic partner (找对象 look for a partner/spouse).
- The "partner" sense is very colloquial in mainland speech - 有对象了吗? are you seeing someone?
- Context decides; in academic/formal use it's "object/target," in daily chat often "significant other."