該当 in 30 Seconds
- 該当 (Gaitō) means 'to fall under' or 'correspond to' a category or rule.
- It is a formal 'suru' verb used primarily in administrative and legal contexts.
- Commonly seen in search results as '該当なし' (No results found).
- Requires the particle 'に' (ni) to indicate the category being matched.
The Japanese term 該当 (がいとう - Gaitō) is a sophisticated verb-noun that functions primarily as a formal way to express that something 'falls under' a specific category, 'corresponds' to a set of criteria, or 'is applicable' to a given situation. Unlike the more casual word atehamaru, 該当 carries a bureaucratic and administrative weight, making it the standard choice for legal documents, application forms, and technical specifications. When you are filling out a form and see a section asking if you meet certain requirements, you are looking for whether you gaitō to those conditions.
- Core Concept
- The alignment between a specific instance and a general rule or category.
- Grammatical Usage
- Typically used with the particle に (ni) as in 'AはBに該当する' (A falls under B).
- Visual Metaphor
- Imagine a sorting machine where items are checked against a template; if the item fits the slot, it is gaitō.
「この規則は、すべての留学生に該当します。」(This rule applies to all international students.)
In a digital context, you will frequently encounter this word in the phrase 該当なし (gaitō nashi), which translates to 'No results found' or 'Not applicable.' This is what appears when a search query doesn't match any database entries or when a survey question doesn't apply to your personal circumstances. The kanji 該 (gai) implies 'to be concerned with' or 'to suit,' while 当 (tō) means 'to hit' or 'appropriate.' Together, they create a sense of 'hitting the mark' of a definition.
「該当する項目にチェックを入れてください。」(Please check the applicable items.)
- Common Collocations
- 該当者 (person concerned), 該当事項 (applicable items), 該当箇所 (relevant parts).
Using 該当 correctly requires understanding its role as a suru-verb. It is almost exclusively paired with the particle に to indicate the category or rule being discussed. In formal writing, it often appears in the form 該当する (present) or 該当した (past). For example, if you are discussing whether a specific behavior constitutes a crime, you would say that the behavior gaitō to the definition of that crime.
「彼の行為は詐欺罪に該当する可能性がある。」(His actions may fall under the category of fraud.)
Another common usage is the noun form 該当の (gaitō no), which acts as an adjective meaning 'the relevant' or 'the said.' If you are referring back to a specific person who met the criteria mentioned earlier, you would call them the 該当者 (gaitō-sha). This is very common in office emails and official announcements.
- Step 1: Identify the Subject
- The thing that is being checked (e.g., a person, an action, a data point).
- Step 2: Identify the Category
- The rule, law, or group it might belong to (followed by に).
- Step 3: Apply the Verb
- Use 該当する to confirm the match.
You will encounter 該当 in four primary environments: Government/Administrative, Digital/Search, Legal/Medical, and Academic/Research. In a city hall (Kuyakusho), the staff might ask if you gaitō to certain tax exemptions. On a website like Amazon Japan or a library database, if your search yields no results, the screen will invariably display 「該当する結果は見つかりませんでした」.
「検索条件に該当する物件は0件です。」(There are 0 properties matching your search criteria.)
In medical contexts, during a health checkup (Kenkō Shindan), the forms will ask about symptoms. If you don't have them, you check the box for 'None' or 'Not Applicable,' often labeled as 該当なし. In the news, reporters use it when discussing whether a new law applies to a specific incident or person.
The most frequent mistake learners make is using 該当 for physical fitting. You cannot say a key gaitō to a lock; for that, you use au (合う) or hamaru (はまる). 該当 is strictly for abstract categories and logical classifications. Another error is using the wrong particle. Learners often try to use wo (を) because they think of 'matching something,' but 該当 is an intransitive suru-verb that requires に.
❌ この鍵はドアに該当する。
✅ この鍵はドアに合う。
Furthermore, don't confuse it with 相当 (sōtō). While sōtō means 'equivalent to' (e.g., this 100 yen is equivalent to 1 dollar), 該当 means 'falling under' (e.g., this person falls under the category of 'minor').
Understanding the synonyms of 該当 helps refine your register. 当てはまる (Atehamaru) is the most common synonym; it is used in daily conversation and for general 'fitting.' 適合する (Tekigō suru) is used for conforming to standards or technical specifications (like ISO standards). 一致する (Icchi suru) means to 'coincide' or 'match perfectly,' like two sets of data being identical.
- 当てはまる (Atehamaru)
- General, casual, 'to apply to'.
- 適合 (Tekigō)
- Technical, 'to conform/adapt'.
- 準拠 (Junkyo)
- Legal/Formal, 'based on/compliant with'.
「条件に適合した製品のみを出荷する。」(Ship only products that conform to the conditions.)
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
~に該当する
~のみ該当する
~の場合に該当する
~かどうかの判定
名詞 + 該当
Examples by Level
該当なし。
No results found.
Noun form used as a standalone phrase.
該当するものはありますか？
Is there anything that applies?
Verb in dictionary form modifying 'mono'.
ここには該当しません。
It doesn't apply here.
Negative polite form.
該当者に丸をつけてください。
Please circle the applicable person.
Noun + particle 'ni'.
検索の結果、該当はありませんでした。
As a result of the search, there were no matches.
Formal past negative.
該当する番号を選んでください。
Please choose the applicable number.
Relative clause modifying 'bangō'.
私はその条件に該当します。
I meet those conditions.
Standard 'ni gaitō suru' pattern.
該当する項目がありません。
There are no applicable items.
Subject marker 'ga' with 'arimasen'.
この規則は全員に該当します。
This rule applies to everyone.
Particle 'ni' indicates the target of application.
該当する資料を持ってきてください。
Please bring the relevant documents.
Adjectival use of the verb.
彼は該当者ではありません。
He is not the person concerned.
Noun 'gaitōsha' (person who fits the criteria).
以下の項目に該当しますか？
Do you fall under the following items?
Interrogative form.
該当する箇所を教えてください。
Please tell me the relevant part.
Noun 'gaitō kasho' (relevant part).
この薬は子供には該当しません。
This medicine is not applicable for children.
Contrastive 'wa' after 'ni'.
該当する名前が見つかりません。
The applicable name cannot be found.
Potential negative 'mitsukarimasen'.
該当する場合には連絡してください。
Please contact us if it applies.
Conditional 'baai ni wa'.
その行為は法律に該当する恐れがある。
That action might fall under the law.
Noun 'osore' (fear/risk) modified by the verb.
該当するデータのみを抽出してください。
Please extract only the relevant data.
Particle 'nomi' (only).
条件に該当する物件を探しています。
I am looking for a property that meets the conditions.
Present continuous 'sagashite imasu'.
彼はその奨学金の該当者になった。
He became eligible for that scholarship.
Verb 'naru' (to become) with noun 'gaitōsha'.
該当するページをコピーしてください。
Please copy the relevant pages.
Imperative 'kudasai'.
このプランは新規顧客にのみ該当します。
This plan applies only to new customers.
Limiting particle 'ni nomi'.
該当する理由を述べてください。
Please state the applicable reasons.
Formal verb 'noberu' (to state).
調査の結果、該当する事例はなかった。
As a result of the investigation, there were no such cases.
Noun 'jirei' (case/example).
本件は、免責事項に該当すると判断されました。
This case was judged to fall under the disclaimer.
Passive voice 'handan saremashita'.
該当するすべての項目を確認してください。
Please check all applicable items.
Quantifier 'subete no'.
彼の発言は、規約違反に該当する可能性がある。
His remarks may constitute a violation of the terms.
Noun 'kanōsei' (possibility).
該当箇所を修正して再提出してください。
Please correct the relevant parts and resubmit.
Te-form for sequence of actions.
この制度に該当するかどうか、確認が必要です。
It is necessary to check whether you qualify for this system.
Embedded question 'ka dō ka'.
該当する資料は、添付ファイルをご参照ください。
For relevant materials, please refer to the attached file.
Honorific 'go-sanshō kudasai'.
彼は、被災者支援の該当者として登録された。
He was registered as a person eligible for disaster victim support.
Particle 'toshite' (as).
該当する情報が入り次第、お知らせします。
We will inform you as soon as the relevant information is received.
Grammar 'shidai' (as soon as).
当該行為が刑法第246条に該当するかを審議する。
Deliberate whether the act in question falls under Article 246 of the Penal Code.
Formal 'tōgai' (the said) and 'shingi suru' (deliberate).
その症状は、指定難病の診断基準に該当する。
The symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria for a designated intractable disease.
Medical terminology 'shitei nanbyō'.
該当する学説は、近年の研究では否定されつつある。
The relevant theory is being increasingly refuted in recent research.
Grammar 'tsutsu aru' (in the process of).
本条項は、天災地変の場合にのみ該当する。
This clause applies only in the event of natural disasters.
Legal term 'tensai chihen'.
該当者のプライバシー保護を最優先に考慮する。
Prioritize the privacy protection of the individuals concerned.
Compound noun 'privacy hogo'.
該当する統計データは、政府の白書に基づいている。
The relevant statistical data is based on the government white paper.
Grammar 'ni motozuite iru' (based on).
その要件に該当しない場合は、申請が却下される。
If you do not meet the requirements, the application will be rejected.
Formal 'kyakka' (rejection).
該当する全事象を網羅的に調査する必要がある。
It is necessary to exhaustively investigate all relevant events.
Adverb 'mōra-teki ni' (exhaustively).
構成要件該当性は、犯罪成立の第一段階である。
The fulfillment of the constituent elements is the first stage of establishing a crime.
Legal term 'kōsei yōken gaitōsei'.
本規定の適用範囲に該当するか否かは、解釈の余地がある。
Whether it falls within the scope of this regulation is subject to interpretation.
Formal 'ka ina ka' (whether or not).
該当する全資料の証拠能力を精査する。
Scrutinize the admissibility of all relevant documents as evidence.
Legal term 'shōko nōryoku' (admissibility of evidence).
当該事象が不可抗力に該当するとの判断を下した。
A judgment was rendered that the event in question constitutes force majeure.
Legal term 'fukakōryoku' (force majeure).
該当するアーカイブ資料の閲覧には、特別な許可を要する。
Viewing the relevant archival materials requires special permission.
Formal verb 'yōsuru' (to require).
条約の定義に該当する行為のみが、制裁の対象となる。
Only acts falling under the treaty's definition are subject to sanctions.
Political term 'seisai' (sanctions).
該当箇所の記述は、先行研究との整合性を欠いている。
The description in the relevant section lacks consistency with previous research.
Academic term 'seigōsei' (consistency).
該当する全変数をモデルに組み込み、再計算を行う。
Incorporate all relevant variables into the model and perform recalculation.
Scientific term 'hensu' (variable).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
Tekigō is for 'conforming' to a standard; Gaitō is for 'belonging' to a group.
Atehamaru is for general 'fitting'; Gaitō is for formal 'classification'.
'該当なし' is a very common set phrase.
- Using 'wo' instead of 'ni'.
- Using it for physical objects fitting together.
- Confusing it with 'sōtō' (equivalent).
- Using it in very casual speech (sounds stiff).
- Mispronouncing it as 'gaito' (short 'o').
Tips
Forms
When filling out Japanese forms, look for '該当するものにチェック' to know where to mark.
Nouns
Learn '該当者' (gaitōsha) as a single unit; it's used constantly in offices.
Particles
Remember: [Category] に 該当する. Don't use 'wo'.
Digital
If you see '該当なし' on a website, try changing your search keywords.
Emails
Use '該当の件' (the matter in question) to refer back to a previously discussed topic.
Laws
In legal contexts, 'gaitō' is the standard word for 'constituting' a crime.
Health
Check '該当なし' on medical forms if you have no symptoms.
Pitch
Keep your voice level. It's a 'Heiban' (flat) accent word.
Academic
In essays, use 'gaitō' to define the scope of your research subjects.
Visual
Visualize a Venn diagram; 'gaitō' is the act of being inside the circle.
Memorize It
Word Origin
Originally used in Chinese legal texts to denote specific items fitting a general rule.
Cultural Context
Extremely high. Using this in casual conversation with friends might sound like you're a robot or a lawyer.
Standard for 'match' or 'hit' in database queries.
A core concept in Japanese criminal law (Kōsei Yōken).
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"このキャンペーンの該当者ですか？"
"検索しても該当なしと出るのですが..."
"どのカテゴリーに該当するか分かりますか？"
"この規則は私たちにも該当するのでしょうか？"
"該当する資料はどこにありますか？"
Journal Prompts
今日、自分が「該当者」だと感じた瞬間はありましたか？
あなたが「該当なし」という言葉を最後に見たのはいつですか？
日本の法律で、自分に該当するものを一つ調べて書いてみましょう。
「該当する」と「当てはまる」の違いを自分の言葉で説明してください。
新しい奨学金に該当するための条件をリストアップしてください。
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, for clothes fitting, use 'au' or 'saizu ga pifftari' (size is perfect). 'Gaitō' is only for abstract categories.
Yes, as 'gaitōsha' (the person concerned/eligible person), but it sounds very formal and administrative.
It translates to 'Not applicable' (N/A), 'No results found,' or 'None of the above' depending on context.
Yes, it frequently appears in N2 and N1 reading sections, especially in formal notices.
The particle 'ni' follows the category, e.g., 'Category ni gaitō suru'.
Yes, but 'gaitōsha' is more common and professional.
Not exactly. It means 'applicable.' Something can be 'applicable' but not necessarily the 'correct' answer in a general sense.
Yes, to describe elements that fall under a specific set or condition.
Common opposites are '対象外' (taishō-gai - outside the target) or '不該当' (fu-gaitō).
Say 'Watashi ni wa gaitō shimasen'.
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Summary
該当 is the formal, bureaucratic way to say 'applies to' or 'matches.' Use it for forms, laws, and data, but avoid it for physical fitting like clothes or keys.
- 該当 (Gaitō) means 'to fall under' or 'correspond to' a category or rule.
- It is a formal 'suru' verb used primarily in administrative and legal contexts.
- Commonly seen in search results as '該当なし' (No results found).
- Requires the particle 'に' (ni) to indicate the category being matched.
Forms
When filling out Japanese forms, look for '該当するものにチェック' to know where to mark.
Nouns
Learn '該当者' (gaitōsha) as a single unit; it's used constantly in offices.
Particles
Remember: [Category] に 該当する. Don't use 'wo'.
Digital
If you see '該当なし' on a website, try changing your search keywords.
Example
以下の条件に該当する方は、申請が可能です。
Related Content
More general words
いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2A little; a moment; a bit. Small amount or short time.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2A little while ago; a short time past.
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
