cæl

Cíl is a Czech noun meaning goal, target, objective, or aim. It can refer to an abstract aim, such as the goals of a project or personal ambitions, as well as to a concrete destination or finish line, for example in travel or sports. In everyday language it is used in expressions like dosáhnout cíle (to achieve a goal), mít cíl (to have a goal), or stanovit cíle (to set goals). In planning and policy contexts, cíle are common terms, for instance strategické cíle (strategic goals), krátkodobé cíle (short-term goals), and dlouhodobé cíle (long-term goals).

Etymology and related forms: cíl derives from the Proto-Slavic root *cělъ* meaning end or purpose. It has cognates in other Slavic languages, such as Russian цел(ь) (tsel’), Polish cel. The word also functions as the basis for related Czech forms and adjectives, for example cílový meaning “target” or “aimed at.” The noun is masculine inanimate and follows standard Czech declension: singular cíl, plural cíle; various case forms adapt to the sentence, such as cílem (instrumental) or cíli (dative/locative in some constructions).

Usage notes: In sport, the term “cíle” can appear in contexts like finishing the race or reaching a destination, though in some sports the word for goal is gól. In literature and discourse, cíle often contrast with prostředky (means) or úkoly (tasks) to distinguish aims from actions. Overall, cíl is a versatile term central to planning, motivation, and navigation within Czech.