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B1 verb #3,000 most common 9 min read

当たる

ataru Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 当たる in 30 Seconds

Explanation 当たる in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic physical meaning of 当たる (ataru): something hitting something else. Imagine a ball rolling and hitting a wall. In Japanese, we say Booru ga kabe ni ataru. The particle に (ni) shows the target. You might also see this word in very simple contexts like winning a small candy in a game at a festival. If you hear someone shout 'Atari!', they mean 'You won!' or 'Correct!' It is an intransitive verb, so the object that is moving is the subject (marked with ga). Do not worry about the complex meanings yet; just think of it as 'to make contact with' or 'to win a prize.' It is a Group 1 (Godan) verb, so it conjugates like ikimasu or nomimasu. For example, atarimasu (polite), ataranai (negative), and atatta (past). Practice using it with physical objects like balls, rain, or your hand hitting a table. This will give you a solid foundation for the more abstract meanings you will learn later.

At the A2 level, you can start using 当たる (ataru) for luck-based situations and basic environmental descriptions. One very common A2 phrase is Hi ga ataru (the sun shines on/hits). You might use this to describe your room: Watashi no heya wa hi ga atarimasu (My room gets sun). You should also be comfortable using it for lotteries or drawings (kuji ni ataru). At this level, you should also learn the noun form atari (a win) and its opposite hazure (a miss). This is very common in Japanese shops and convenience stores. Another important A2 use is for guesses. If a teacher asks a question and your guess is right, you can say atarimashita! (I got it right!). You are moving from purely physical contact to the 'contact' between a guess and the truth. Remember to keep using the ni particle for the target of the hit or the prize you are winning. This level is about expanding from 'hitting a wall' to 'hitting the jackpot' or 'hitting the sunlight.'

At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the more nuanced and social uses of 当たる (ataru). This includes the concept of 'assignment' and 'correspondence.' For example, Tsugi wa watashi ga souji ni ataru ban desu (It is my turn to be assigned to the cleaning). Here, ataru implies a duty falling upon you. You should also be able to use it to describe relationships: Kare wa watashi no itoko ni ataru (He is [corresponds to] my cousin). This is a more formal way of explaining a family tree. Another key B1 usage is the emotional one: Yatsu-atari or hito ni ataru, which means taking your frustration out on someone else. This is a very common expression in daily life and Japanese media. You should also distinguish ataru from its transitive pair ateru (to hit something intentionally). At B1, you should be able to choose the correct verb based on whether the action is spontaneous/result-oriented (ataru) or intentional/action-oriented (ateru). This level is where the word becomes a versatile tool for describing social roles and emotional states.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the idiomatic and technical uses of 当たる (ataru). This includes 'food poisoning' (shoku-atari or kaki ni ataru - getting sick from oysters). It also includes the use of ataru in research and investigation, such as shiryou ni ataru (to consult/look through documents). This implies 'hitting' the sources for information. You should also understand its use in describing how someone treats others, such as tsumetaku ataru (to treat someone coldly). This uses ataru to describe the 'impact' of one's attitude on another person. In literature or news, you might see it used for 'confronting' a challenge or 'dealing with' a situation (shigoto ni ataru). At this level, you should also be aware of the difference between ataru and more formal synonyms like tekichū suru (to hit the bullseye/prediction perfectly) or gaidō suru (to correspond/apply to). Your usage should reflect a deep understanding of the 'impact' metaphor across physical, social, and professional domains.

At the C1 level, you are exploring the philosophical and highly specific applications of 当たる (ataru). You will encounter it in legal or highly formal contexts where it means 'to be equivalent to' or 'to constitute' a certain condition. For example, Kono koui wa hanzai ni ataru (This act constitutes/amounts to a crime). This is a step above the B1 'correspondence' meaning and is used for categorical definitions. You should also be familiar with classical or archaic-sounding idioms that use ataru, such as hi no uchi doko no nai (perfect, literally 'no place for the sun to hit/find a flaw'). Your mastery should also extend to the subtle nuances of 'vibe' or 'atmosphere' hitting someone, such as hadazamu ni ataru (feeling the chill). At C1, you use ataru to describe the intersection of abstract concepts, legal definitions, and sensory experiences with high precision. You can also use it to describe the 'allocation' of resources or personnel in complex organizational structures, often using the word in its various compound forms.

At the C2 level, 当たる (ataru) is a word you use with native-like intuition, often in its most subtle metaphorical forms. You understand its role in historical texts and high-level literature, where it might describe the 'striking' of a chord in someone's heart or the 'alignment' of cosmic forces. You can distinguish between the myriad of compound verbs and nouns derived from ataru, such as kokoro-atari (having a clue/something coming to mind) or machi-atari (randomly hitting/happening upon something in town). You are able to use ataru to discuss the 'applicability' of complex scientific theories or philosophical tenets to specific real-world cases. At this level, the word is no longer just a verb; it is a conceptual framework for describing the meeting point between any two entities—whether they are physical objects, people, ideas, or laws. You can play with the word's inherent ambiguity and richness to convey deep meaning in both creative writing and professional discourse, fully grasping the nuances of intentionality and spontaneity that the verb carries.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

当たる in 30 Seconds

Used for physical contact like a ball hitting a wall or rain hitting a window.
The primary verb for winning a lottery, raffle, or any game of chance.
Describes when a guess, prediction, or hunch turns out to be correct.
Used for social assignments, being exposed to sun/wind, and word equivalence.

The Japanese verb 当たる (ataru) is one of the most versatile and essential words in the Japanese language, particularly for students at the B1 level. At its most fundamental level, it describes a physical phenomenon: an object moving through space and making contact with a target. However, its usage extends far beyond simple physics. In the Japanese mindset, ataru represents the successful convergence of an action and a result. Whether you are talking about a ball hitting a window, a prediction coming true, or winning the lottery, the underlying concept remains the same: a 'strike' has occurred. This word is intransitive, meaning the focus is on the fact that the hit happened, rather than who did it, which is a key distinction from its transitive counterpart, 当てる (ateru).

Physical Impact: This is the most literal use. It describes when something strikes something else, often unintentionally. For example, a ball hitting a person or a car hitting a pole. In these cases, the target is marked with the particle に (ni).
Winning and Success: In the context of gambling, lotteries, or random drawings, ataru is the word for 'winning.' When your number is called or your ticket matches, you have 'hit' the prize. This also applies to guesses and predictions. If you guess someone's age correctly, your guess has 'hit' the mark.
Exposure to Elements: When sunlight, wind, or rain strikes a surface, Japanese uses ataru. If a room gets a lot of sunlight, we say it is 日が当たる (hi ga ataru). This implies the light is physically reaching or 'hitting' the room.

宝くじに当たったら、世界一周旅行に行きたいです。
(If I win the lottery, I want to go on a trip around the world.)

Beyond these, ataru is used for social assignments and correspondence. If it is your turn to do the cleaning, you are 'hit' by that responsibility. If a Japanese word corresponds to a specific English word, it 'hits' that definition. It even covers negative physical reactions; 食あたり (shoku-atari) refers to food poisoning, where the food 'hit' your system in a bad way. Understanding ataru requires moving away from one-to-one English translations and embracing the concept of 'alignment' or 'contact' between two entities, whether physical, metaphorical, or social.

彼の予想はいつも当たる。
(His predictions are always spot on / always hit the mark.)

Using 当たる (ataru) correctly involves mastering the particles that accompany it. Since it is an intransitive verb (自動詞 - jidoushi), the subject is usually the thing that is doing the hitting or the thing that is being successful, marked by が (ga). The target—the thing being hit or the prize being won—is marked by に (ni). This Target + ni + Ataru pattern is the backbone of most sentences involving this verb.

The 'Ni' Particle for Targets: Whenever there is a specific destination for the 'hit,' use に.
Example: ボールが窓に当たった (The ball hit the window). Here, the window is the destination of the ball's movement.
Abstract Success: When a guess is correct, the 'guess' is the subject.
Example: 勘が当たった (My hunch was right). In this case, there is no physical target, but the hunch itself 'hit' the reality of the situation.

この言葉は英語の何に当たりますか？
(What does this word correspond to in English?)

One of the more complex B1-level uses is the 'Assignment' usage. If you are assigned to a task, you use ataru. For example, 受付に当たる (uketsuke ni ataru) means 'to be assigned to the reception desk.' It feels as though the duty 'landed' on you. Similarly, in a familial or organizational context, you can describe relationships: 彼は私の叔父に当たります (He is my uncle / He corresponds to the position of uncle to me). This is more formal than saying kare wa oji desu and emphasizes the structural relationship.

日光がよく当たる部屋ですね。
(This room gets a lot of sunlight, doesn't it?)

In Japan, you will encounter 当たる (ataru) in a surprisingly wide variety of daily life scenarios. It is not just a textbook word; it is deeply embedded in the culture of chance, weather, and social dynamics. If you walk into a Japanese arcade or a festival (matsuri), you will hear people shouting 'Atari!' when someone wins a prize. This exclamation is the noun form of the verb and is synonymous with 'Jackpot!' or 'You got it!'

Weather and Real Estate: When looking for an apartment in Japan, 日当たり (hi-atari) is one of the most important terms. It refers to the amount of sunlight a room receives. A 'hi-atari ga ii' (good sunlight) apartment is highly coveted and usually more expensive. You'll hear real estate agents emphasizing this constantly.
The News and Predictions: Weather forecasts often use ataru when discussing whether a typhoon will hit a certain region. Similarly, political commentators use it to discuss whether a candidate's strategy 'hit' the public's needs or if a poll was accurate (yosou ga ataru).

「このクジ、当たったよ！」「すごい、おめでとう！」
("I won this lottery!" "Wow, congratulations!")

In the workplace, ataru appears when roles are distributed. During a meeting, a manager might say, 'Tanaka-san, kono purojekuto ni atatte kudasai' (Tanaka-san, please take on/be assigned to this project). It suggests a direct engagement with the task. You will also hear it in the context of research or investigation; bunken ni ataru means to consult or 'hit' the literature/documents for information. This variety shows that ataru is the go-to verb for any situation where a person or thing comes into direct, effective contact with an object, a role, or a result.

ストレスで家族に当たってしまった。
(I took my stress out on my family.)

For English speakers, the biggest hurdle with 当たる (ataru) is its intransitive nature. In English, 'hit' is usually transitive ('I hit the ball'). In Japanese, if you say Watashi wa booru o ataru, it is grammatically incorrect. You must say Booru ga watashi ni ataru (The ball hit me). Understanding that the 'thing that hits' is the subject is crucial.

Ataru vs. Katsu (Winning): English uses 'win' for both games and lotteries. Japanese does not. You 勝つ (katsu) a game or a match through skill or competition. You 当たる (ataru) a lottery or a prize through luck or selection. Saying Takarakuji ni katta sounds like you fought the lottery and defeated it.
Ataru vs. Butsukaru: Butsukaru implies a collision, often between two moving objects or a person walking into something. Ataru is more general contact. If you walk into a wall because you weren't looking, butsukaru is more natural. If a stray arrow hits a target, ataru is the word.

❌ 試合に当たった (I won the match - Incorrect)
✅ 試合に勝った (I won the match - Correct)

Another mistake is using ataru for 'hitting' a person as an act of violence. If you punch someone, the verb is 殴る (naguru). If you slap them, it's 叩く (tataku). Ataru is generally for accidental contact or metaphorical 'hitting' (like taking anger out on someone). Using ataru to describe a deliberate physical assault will lead to confusion about the intentionality of the act.

❌ 彼は私を当たった (He hit me - Incorrect)
✅ 彼が私に当たった (He [accidentally] bumped into/hit me - Correct)

Because 当たる (ataru) covers so much ground, Japanese has several more specific synonyms that you should learn to sound more precise. Depending on whether you're talking about a collision, a victory, or a correct guess, a different word might be more appropriate.

的中する (Tekichū suru): This is a more formal and precise version of yosou ga ataru. It literally means 'to hit the center of the target.' Use this in writing or formal speeches when a prediction or a bullet hits exactly where it was supposed to. It sounds more impressive than the simple ataru.
衝突する (Shōtotsu suru): This is the formal word for 'collision.' While ataru is a ball hitting a window, shōtotsu is two trains or two major opinions clashing. It carries a sense of significant force and impact.
該当する (Gaidō suru): When ataru means 'to correspond to' (like a word in a dictionary), gaidō suru is the more bureaucratic or academic alternative. If you are filling out a form and a section 'applies' to you, that is gaidō.

その条件に該当する人は手を挙げてください。
(Those who fall under/correspond to those conditions, please raise your hand.)

In terms of 'winning,' 当選する (tōsen suru) is the specific term for winning an election or a high-stakes lottery. While you might say kuji ni atatta for a small prize, tōsen is used for winning a seat in parliament or a million-dollar prize. For guesses, 正解する (seikai suru) is used when there is a 'correct answer,' like on a test. Ataru is more about the 'hit' of intuition, whereas seikai is about the correctness of the knowledge.

彼の予言は見事に的中した。
(His prophecy was fulfilled perfectly / hit the bullseye.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"本件は、法律の第3条に当たります。"

Neutral

"私の予想が当たりました。"

Informal

"やった！当たった！"

Child friendly

"ボールが当たらないように気をつけてね。"

Slang

"あの店のラーメン、マジで当たりだわ。"

Fun Fact

The kanji '当' is actually a simplified version of '當'. In Mahjong, players shout 'Ron!' or 'Tsumo!', but the concept of 'hitting' the winning tile is deeply connected to the 'Atari' culture.

Pronunciation Guide

UK əˈtɑːruː

US əˈtɑru

The pitch accent is 'Heiban' (Flat), meaning it starts low and stays high, or 'Atamadaka' depending on dialect, but standard Japanese is usually flat.

Rhymes With

Wataru (to cross) Satoru (to realize) Hotaru (firefly) Hikaru (to shine) Tukaru (to soak) Kazaru (to decorate) Masaru (to excel) Tamaru (to accumulate)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r' with rounded lips.
Over-emphasizing the final 'u', which should be very short and almost whispered.
Confusing the pitch accent with 'Ateru'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji is simple, but it appears in many compound words that change the meaning slightly.

Writing 2/5

The kanji 当 is easy to write with only 6 strokes.

Speaking 4/5

Choosing between ataru and ateru/katsu/butsukaru requires practice for fluency.

Listening 3/5

Common in fast-paced contexts like game shows or weather reports.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

勝つ (katsu) 負ける (makeru) 光 (hikari) 宝くじ (takarakuji) 窓 (mado)

Learn Next

当てる (ateru) 的中 (tekichū) 当選 (tōsen) 衝突 (shōtotsu) 該当 (gaidō)

Advanced

相当する (sōdō suru) 妥当 (datō) 正当 (seitō) 見当 (kentō) 手当 (teate)

Grammar to Know

Intransitive Verb Usage

ボールが当たる (The ball hits [on its own/result focus]).

Target Particle 'Ni'

的に当たる (Hit the target).

Te-form for Reason

牡蠣に当たってお腹が痛い (My stomach hurts because I got food poisoning from oysters).

Relative Clauses

日が当たる部屋 (A room where the sun hits).

Formal 'Ni Atatte'

開店に当たって、挨拶をする (Upon the opening of the store, I will give a greeting).

Examples by Level

ボールが頭に当たった。

The ball hit [my] head.

Target is marked with 'ni'.

雨が窓に当たっています。

The rain is hitting the window.

Continuous form (~te iru).

クジが当たった！

I won the lottery!

Past tense 'atatta' for a completed win.

この答えは当たっていますか？

Is this answer correct?

Using 'ataru' for a correct guess/answer.

石が車に当たりました。

A stone hit the car.

Polite past tense 'atarimashita'.

矢が的に当たった。

The arrow hit the target.

Basic physical contact.

光が当たるところに置いてください。

Please put it in a place where the light hits.

Relative clause 'hikari ga ataru' modifying 'tokoro'.

誰に当たりましたか？

Who did it hit?

Question form using 'dare ni'.

明日の天気予報は当たるかな？

I wonder if tomorrow's weather forecast will be right?

Using 'kana' for 'I wonder'.

私の部屋は日が当たらない。

My room doesn't get any sun.

Negative form 'ataranai'.

宝くじに当たったら何をしますか？

What will you do if you win the lottery?

Conditional 'tara' form.

名前を呼ばれた人が当たりです。

The person whose name was called is the winner.

Noun form 'atari' used as a predicate.

あなたの予想が当たりましたね。

Your prediction was correct, wasn't it?

Confirmation particle 'ne'.

冷たい風が顔に当たって気持ちいい。

The cold wind hitting my face feels good.

Te-form connecting two clauses.

この番号が当たるといいですね。

I hope this number wins.

'~to ii desu ne' expresses a hope.

お菓子のおまけが当たった。

I won a free prize with my snack.

Common use in retail.

彼は私の従兄弟に当たります。

He is my cousin (corresponds to the role of cousin).

Formal way to describe relationships.

今日は私が掃除の当番に当たっている。

Today I am assigned to the cleaning duty.

Assignment of roles.

そんなに怒って人に当たらないでください。

Please don't get so angry and take it out on people.

Idiomatic use for taking out anger.

この日本語は英語のどれに当たりますか？

Which English word does this Japanese word correspond to?

Correspondence between languages.

強い光が目に当たって眩しい。

The strong light hit my eyes and it's blinding.

Physical impact on senses.

昨日の夜、牡蠣に当たってしまった。

I got food poisoning from oysters last night.

Specific use for food poisoning.

新しいプロジェクトの担当に当たった。

I was assigned to be in charge of the new project.

Professional assignment.

彼の占いはよく当たると評判だ。

His fortune-telling is famous for being very accurate.

Habitual accuracy.

詳細については、古い文献に当たる必要がある。

Regarding the details, we need to consult old documents.

Consulting sources.

上司に叱られたからといって、部下に当たるのは良くない。

Just because you were scolded by your boss, it's not good to take it out on your subordinates.

Social behavior nuance.

この金額は年収の三分の一に当たる。

This amount corresponds to one-third of the annual income.

Mathematical/Proportional correspondence.

彼女は誰に対しても冷たく当たる。

She treats everyone coldly.

Manner of treatment.

万が一、予想が当たった場合はどうしますか？

In the unlikely event that the prediction is correct, what will you do?

'Man ga ichi' for rare possibilities.

直射日光が当たる場所は避けてください。

Please avoid places exposed to direct sunlight.

Standard warning phrasing.

彼はその事件の調査に当たっている。

He is engaged in the investigation of that incident.

Engagement in a task.

この小説は、ある有名な事件に当たって書かれた。

This novel was written based on/dealing with a certain famous incident.

Literary context.

その行為は、法律上、収賄罪に当たると判断された。

That act was judged to constitute the crime of bribery under the law.

Legal definition/equivalence.

彼は、まさに「飛ぶ鳥を落とす勢い」という言葉が当たる活躍だ。

His success is such that the phrase 'soaring momentum' truly applies.

Applicability of idioms.

新薬の開発に当たっては、多額の費用が必要となる。

In the process of/Upon dealing with the development of new drugs, huge costs are required.

Formal 'ni atatte wa' structure.

彼の指摘は、問題の本質を鋭く当たっている。

His point strikes sharply at the essence of the problem.

Metaphorical bullseye.

一等賞が当たった喜びで、彼は言葉を失った。

Overwhelmed by the joy of winning the first prize, he was speechless.

Causal relationship with 'de'.

当時の100円は、現在の価値に当たるといくらですか？

How much would 100 yen back then be equivalent to in today's value?

Economic equivalence.

彼女の態度は、無視というよりは拒絶に当たる。

Her attitude amounts to rejection rather than just ignoring.

Nuanced categorization.

不慮の事故に当たって、冷静な対応が求められる。

In the face of an unexpected accident, a calm response is required.

Formal situational use.

この解釈が妥当であるかは、諸説に当たって検証すべきだ。

Whether this interpretation is valid should be verified by consulting various theories.

Academic rigor.

彼の言動は、公序良俗に当たるとは言い難い。

It is hard to say his behavior corresponds to public order and morals.

Complex legal/moral terminology.

日光の当たる角度によって、建物の表情が変化する。

The 'expression' of the building changes depending on the angle at which the sunlight hits it.

Aesthetic description.

この詩の表現は、読者の心の琴線に当たるものがある。

The expressions in this poem strike a chord in the reader's heart.

Deep metaphorical usage.

その推論が当たっていると仮定して、次の議論を進めよう。

Assuming that inference is correct, let's proceed with the next discussion.

Hypothetical reasoning.

彼は、一族の長に当たる人物として、重責を担っている。

As the person who corresponds to the head of the clan, he bears heavy responsibility.

High-level social structure.

未曾有の国難に当たって、国民の結束が試されている。

In the face of an unprecedented national crisis, the unity of the people is being tested.

Grand rhetorical style.

この現象は、物理学的な法則に完全には当たらない例外だ。

This phenomenon is an exception that does not fully fall under physical laws.

Scientific/Theoretical non-correspondence.

Common Collocations

宝くじに当たる

予想が当たる

日が当たる

風に当たる

食あたり

矢が的に当たる

担当に当たる

言葉が当たる

勘が当たる

人に当たる

Common Phrases

当たり前 (atarimae)

— Natural, obvious, or a matter of course. It comes from the idea of something being 'right' or 'hitting the mark' of common sense.

助け合うのは当たり前だ。

当たり障りのない (atarisawari no nai)

— Harmless, inoffensive, or neutral. Literally 'no hitting or hindering.'

当たり障りのない返事をする。

心当たりがある (kokoroatari ga aru)

— To have an idea about something or to have something come to mind.

その事件に心当たりはありますか？

一人当たり (hitori atari)

— Per person. Used for calculating costs or distributions.

費用は一人当たり三千円です。

当たり外れがある (atari hazure ga aru)

— To be hit-or-miss; inconsistent in quality.

あの店の料理は当たり外れがある。

日当たりが良い (hiatari ga ii)

— To have good sunlight (usually referring to a room or house).

この家は日当たりが良い。

八つ当たり (yatsu-atari)

— Taking one's anger out on someone or something unrelated to the cause.

弟に八つ当たりをする。

口当たりが良い (kuchiatari ga ii)

— To have a pleasant texture or taste in the mouth (often used for drinks or soft food).

このお酒は口当たりが良い。

手当たり次第 (teatari shidai)

— Doing something randomly or with whatever is at hand; using whatever one can lay hands on.

手当たり次第に本を読む。

見当がつく (kentō ga tsuku)

— To have a rough idea or estimate (related to the noun 'kentō' which uses the 'ataru' kanji).

犯人の見当がつかない。

Often Confused With

当たる vs 当てる (ateru)

Ateru is transitive (you hit something on purpose), while ataru is intransitive (something hits).

当たる vs 勝つ (katsu)

Katsu is for winning a competition; ataru is for winning a lottery or being correct.

当たる vs ぶつかる (butsukaru)

Butsukaru is for collisions; ataru is for any contact or success.

Idioms & Expressions

"図星に当たる (zuboshi ni ataru)"

— To hit the nail on the head; to be exactly right about something someone was trying to hide.

図星に当たって、彼は黙り込んだ。

Informal

"火の打ち所がない (hi no uchi dokoro ga nai)"

— Flawless; perfect. Literally 'no place for a spark to hit/find a flaw.'

彼の演技は火の打ち所がない。

Formal

"飛ぶ鳥を落とす勢い (tobu tori o otosu ikioi)"

— To have incredible momentum or power. (Indirectly related to hitting/striking down).

今の彼は飛ぶ鳥を落とす勢いだ。

Literary

"棚からぼた餅 (tana kara botamochi)"

— A windfall; a lucky break. (Often compared with winning/ataru).

まさに棚からぼた餅の幸運だった。

Common

"当たらずといえども遠からず (atarazu to iedomo tōkarazu)"

— Not exactly right, but not far off; pretty close.

君の推測は、当たらずといえども遠からずだ。

Formal/Literary

"当たって砕けろ (atatte kudakero)"

— Go for broke; give it your all and see what happens, even if you fail.

ダメ元で、当たって砕けろの精神で告白した。

Informal

"毒を食らわば皿まで (doku o kurawaba sara made)"

— In for a penny, in for a pound. (Used when one has already 'hit' a bad situation).

もう嘘をついたんだ、毒を食らわば皿までだ。

Idiomatic

"犬も歩けば棒に当たる (inu mo arkeba bō ni ataru)"

— Even a dog, if it walks, will hit a stick. (Meaning: Good things or bad things can happen unexpectedly if you take action).

何もしないよりはいい。犬も歩けば棒に当たるというし。

Proverb

"風の吹き回し (kaze no fukimawashi)"

— A turn of events; how the wind 'hits'.

どういう風の吹き回しでここに来たの？

Informal

"目の毒 (me no doku)"

— Something tempting but harmful to see/have. (Related to the 'poison/hit' concept).

あのケーキはダイエット中の私には目の毒だ。

Informal

Easily Confused

当たる vs 当てる

Transitive vs Intransitive pair.

Ateru is an action you do (hit a target); Ataru is the result (the target was hit).

的に矢を当てる vs 矢が的に当たる。

当たる vs 勝つ

Both translate to 'win' in English.

Katsu requires an opponent; Ataru requires luck or a prize.

試合に勝つ vs 宝くじに当たる。

当たる vs 受ける

Both can mean 'to receive' an impact.

Ukeru is to receive/undergo (passive); Ataru is the contact itself.

影響を受ける vs 日が当たる。

当たる vs 触る

Both involve contact.

Sawaru is a deliberate touch with hands; Ataru is contact in general.

壁に触る vs ボールが壁に当たる。

当たる vs 的中

Synonyms for hitting a target.

Ataru is general; Tekichū is formal and emphasizes a perfect 'bullseye'.

予想が当たる vs 予想が的中する。

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] が [Target] に当たる

ボールが窓に当たる。

[Guess/Luck] が当たる

予想が当たる。

[Person] は [Role] に当たる

彼は私の叔父に当たる。

[Person] に当たる

家族に当たる。

[Source] に当たる

文献に当たる。

[Action] は [Crime/Category] に当たる

これは犯罪に当たる。

[Event] に当たって

新年に当たって、目標を立てる。

[Concept] に当たる [Nuance]

心の琴線に当たる。

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation, media, and business.

Common Mistakes

試合に当たった (Shiai ni atatta) → 試合に勝った (Shiai ni katta)
You win a match through skill (katsu), not luck (ataru).
私は壁を当たった (Watashi wa kabe o atatta) → 私は壁にぶつかった (Watashi wa kabe ni butsukata)
Ataru is intransitive and doesn't take 'o'. Also, 'butsukaru' is better for walking into a wall.
宝くじに勝った (Takarakuji ni katta) → 宝くじに当たった (Takarakuji ni atatta)
You don't defeat a lottery; you are selected by it (ataru).
彼を当たった (Kare o atatta) → 彼に当たった (Kare ni atatta)
Use 'ni' for the person you hit or took anger out on.
日に当たった部屋 (Hi ni atatta heya) → 日の当たる部屋 (Hi no ataru heya)
Use 'ga' or 'no' for the subject (sunlight) in a relative clause.

Tips

Particle Choice

Always use 'ni' for the target or the prize. 'Booru ga kabe ni ataru'.

Festival Fun

Look for the character '当' at festivals. It means you can win a prize there!

The Opposite

Learn 'Hazure' (miss) alongside 'Ataru' (hit) to double your vocabulary efficiency.

Correcting Guesses

If someone guesses your age right, say 'Atari!' to sound like a native.

Professional Assignments

In a resume, you can use 'ataru' to describe roles you were assigned to.

Food Poisoning

If you get sick from food, tell the doctor 'shoku-atari kamo shirenai'.

Apartment Hunting

Check the 'hi-atari' (sunlight) direction (South is best) when looking for a home.

Atari Games

Remember the video game company Atari to never forget this word's meaning of 'success'.

Anger Management

Avoid 'hito ni ataru' (taking it out on others) to maintain good relationships.

TV Fanfare

Listen for the 'ding-ding' sound on Japanese TV; it usually means someone 'atatta'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an **A**rrow **TAR**geting **U**. When the arrow hits the target, you shout 'ATARU!' because it hit!

Visual Association

Visualize a lottery ball popping out of a machine and hitting a lucky winner on the head. The contact is 'ataru' and the win is 'ataru'.

Word Web

Hit Win Guess Sunlight Poisoning Assignment Equivalent Anger

Challenge

Try to use 'ataru' in three different ways today: once for the weather, once for a guess, and once for a physical object.

Word Origin

The kanji 当 consists of the radical for 'small' (小) and a phonetic component, but its ancient form related to 'field' and 'value.' The verb 'ataru' has been used since Old Japanese to describe matching, hitting, or facing something.

Original meaning: To correspond to, to face, or to hit a mark.

Japonic

Cultural Context

Be careful using 'shoku-atari' (food poisoning) when complaining about a restaurant's food, as it is a serious accusation.

English speakers often confuse 'win' (katsu) and 'win' (ataru). Remember: katsu is for skill/competition, ataru is for luck/lottery.

Atari (Video Game Company) Urusei Yatsura (Protagonist named Ataru Moroboshi - 'A Star Hits') Atari-mae (Common phrase in J-Pop lyrics)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Lottery/Gambling

一等に当たる
クジが当たる
当たりくじ
当選番号

Weather/Environment

日当たりが良い
西日が当たる
風に当たる
雨に当たる

Guessing/Games

予想が当たる
勘が当たる
的中させる
当たり！

Work/Roles

担当に当たる
業務に当たる
受付に当たる
調査に当たる

Health/Senses

食あたりになる
眩しい光が当たる
冷たい風が当たる
体に当たる

Conversation Starters

"もし宝くじで一億円当たったら、何に使いますか？ (If you won 100 million yen in the lottery, what would you spend it on?)"

"あなたの部屋は日当たりが良いですか？ (Is your room well-lit by the sun?)"

"最近、何か予想が当たったことはありますか？ (Have any of your predictions come true recently?)"

"牡蠣などの食あたりになった経験はありますか？ (Have you ever experienced food poisoning from things like oysters?)"

"日本語のこの表現は、あなたの母国語では何に当たりますか？ (What does this Japanese expression correspond to in your native language?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、何かラッキーな「当たり」はありましたか？ (Did you have any lucky 'hits' today?)

自分が仕事や学校で新しい担当に当たった時のことを書いてください。 (Write about a time you were assigned to a new role at work or school.)

「当たり前」だと思っていることに感謝する日記を書きましょう。 (Write a journal entry thanking the things you take for granted as 'obvious'.)

誰かに八つ当たりをしてしまったことはありますか？その時の気持ちを書いてください。 (Have you ever taken your anger out on someone? Write about how you felt.)

将来の予想を一つ書いて、それが当たるかどうか数年後に見返してみましょう。 (Write a prediction for the future and check back in a few years to see if it 'hits'.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, if you hit him on purpose, use 'naguru' (punch) or 'tataku' (slap). 'Ataru' implies accidental contact or a result.

It means food poisoning. It literally means the food 'hit' your stomach in a bad way.

Japanese houses are often close together, so natural sunlight is a premium feature for warmth and hygiene.

Only for lotteries or guessing games. For sports like soccer or tennis, use 'katsu' (win) or 'makeru' (lose).

It means taking your anger out on an innocent bystander or object.

Yes, it describes formal family tree positions, like 'He is my uncle' (Kare wa oji ni ataru).

Butsukaru is a collision (often two moving things); Ataru is any contact (like light or a bullet).

Yes, it means 'a win' or 'a success.' You see it on snacks and lottery tickets.

You can say 'Yosou ga hazureta' (The opposite of ataru).

Yes, for being assigned to a project or task (Purojekuto ni ataru).