Explanation at your level:
あたり (atari) is a word that means 'around' or 'nearby.' Imagine you are looking for your friend's house. You can say, 'My friend lives around here.' In Japanese, you could say 友達はこのあたりに住んでいます (Tomodachi wa kono atari ni sunde imasu). 'Kono atari' means 'around here.' It's a simple way to talk about a general place, not an exact spot. You can also use it for time, like 'around morning.' It’s like pointing to a general area on a map!
The word あたり (atari) helps you talk about places and times in a general way. Instead of saying exactly where something is, you can say it's 'in the vicinity of' or 'around' a certain place. For example, if you want to meet someone near the station, you can say 駅あたりで会いましょう (Eki atari de aimashō), which means 'Let's meet around the station.' It's also used for time, like 昼あたり (hiru atari) for 'around noon.' It makes your Japanese sound more natural when you're not sure of the exact spot or time.
あたり (atari) is a very useful Japanese word that indicates a general area, vicinity, or approximate time. It's frequently used in everyday conversation to soften statements and avoid being overly precise. For instance, このあたりに美味しいレストランがありますか？ (Kono atari ni oishii resutoran ga arimasu ka?) translates to 'Are there any good restaurants around this area?' It can also be used with numbers to indicate an approximation, such as 三人あたりいくらですか？ (Sannin atari ikura desu ka?), meaning 'How much is it per three people?' or 'Around three people, how much is it?' Mastering あたり will help you navigate conversations about location and quantity more smoothly.
The Japanese word あたり (atari) functions as a noun or a postpositional particle, signifying a general area, vicinity, or approximate time. Its usage adds a layer of vagueness or estimation, common in natural speech. For example, 町のあたりを散歩しました (Machi no atari o sanpo shimashita) means 'I took a walk around the town.' It can also denote a rough estimate of quantity or cost, like 一人あたり5000円です (Hitori atari gosen'en desu), meaning 'It's 5000 yen per person.' Understanding the nuances of あたり helps in distinguishing between precise statements and general estimations, crucial for comprehending colloquial Japanese and expressing oneself with greater flexibility.
あたり (atari), derived from the verb 当たる (ataru), serves as a flexible marker for general vicinity, approximation, or distribution. Beyond its common use in spatial and temporal contexts (e.g., このへんあたり - around this place), it can signify a per-unit distribution, similar to 'per' or 'each' in English. For instance, 一人あたりの料金 (hitori atari no ryōkin) refers to the 'charge per person.' This usage is prevalent in contexts involving cost, resources, or statistics. Furthermore, あたり can imply a general impression or atmosphere of a place, adding a qualitative dimension to spatial descriptions. Its adaptability makes it indispensable for nuanced communication in various registers.
The multifaceted term あたり (atari), originating from the verb 当たる (ataru), extends beyond mere spatial or temporal approximation. Its historical connection to 'hitting' or 'reaching' a point informs its usage in denoting distribution ('per unit') and even a general sense of atmosphere or character of a place. For example, この辺り一帯 (kono atari ittai) emphasizes the entire surrounding area. In literary contexts, あたり can evoke a specific mood or ambiance associated with a locale. Its grammatical flexibility, functioning as both a noun and a postpositional particle, allows for subtle shifts in meaning, from a concrete vicinity to an abstract estimation. Mastery of あたり requires appreciating its etymological roots and its wide-ranging application in both everyday and sophisticated Japanese discourse.
30秒词汇
- あたり means 'around', 'vicinity', or 'approximately'.
- Used for both physical areas and general times.
- Commonly follows nouns, demonstratives, or numbers+counters.
- Adds a sense of vagueness and naturalness to speech.
Hey there! Let's dive into the wonderful Japanese word あたり (atari). This word is super useful because it can mean a few different things, all related to the idea of 'around' or 'in the vicinity of.' Think of it as a way to point to a general area or a rough timeframe without being super specific. It’s like saying 'somewhere around here' or 'about that time.' We often use it when we don't know the exact location or moment, but we have a good idea of the general neighborhood or period. It’s a friendly word that helps us communicate in a more relaxed and approximate way, which is really common in everyday conversation!
For example, you might say 駅あたり (eki atari) to mean 'around the station.' This doesn't mean you are standing *exactly* at the station's entrance, but rather in the general area nearby. Similarly, 午後あたり (gogo atari) means 'around the afternoon,' suggesting a time within the afternoon hours, not necessarily a precise minute. The nuance of あたり is that it softens the statement, making it less absolute and more approachable. It’s a fantastic word to grasp because it opens up a lot of natural-sounding expressions in Japanese!
The word あたり (atari) has roots that go deep into the Japanese language, likely stemming from the verb 当たる (ataru), which means 'to hit,' 'to strike,' or 'to be equivalent to.' You can see how the meaning of 'hitting' or 'reaching' a general area or point could evolve into the concept of 'vicinity' or 'around.' Imagine throwing a stone; the area where it lands or splashes is the atari of that impact.
Historically, the usage of あたり to denote a region or vicinity became prominent as settlements grew and people needed ways to describe areas without formal names. It provided a flexible way to refer to places relative to landmarks like rivers, mountains, or buildings. The connection to ataru also hints at a sense of 'reaching' or 'being in the scope of' something, which perfectly captures the idea of being within a certain range or area. Over time, this usage solidified, making あたり a staple for expressing approximation in both space and time.
あたり (atari) is incredibly versatile and pops up in many common phrases. You'll often see it attached to nouns that represent places or times. For instance, このあたり (kono atari) means 'this area' or 'around here,' and あのあたり (ano atari) means 'that area' or 'around there.' When talking about time, you might hear 朝あたり (asa atari) for 'around morning' or 夜あたり (yoru atari) for 'around evening.' It's a casual and natural way to speak.
You can also use it with numbers to give an approximate quantity, like 三人あたり (sannin atari) meaning 'around three people' or 'per three people.' This usage is common when distributing items or calculating ratios. Remember, あたり generally implies a less precise location or time than using specific prepositions or time markers. It’s the go-to word when you want to convey a sense of generality and proximity. Think of it as the friendly way to say 'somewhere in this general zone' or 'roughly this amount.' It’s a key piece for sounding more natural in Japanese!
While あたり itself isn't typically part of complex idioms, its core meaning of 'hitting' or 'reaching' is foundational to several expressions. The verb 当たる (ataru), from which あたり derives, is more common in idiomatic phrases.
Here are some common expressions related to the concept:
- 的を射る (mato o iru): Literally 'to shoot the target.' This idiom means to hit the mark, to be accurate, or to get to the heart of the matter. Example: 彼の指摘は的を射ていた。(Kare no shiteki wa mato o ite ita.) - His point hit the mark.
- 運が当たる (un ga ataru): 'Luck hits.' This means to get lucky or to win something by chance, like a lottery. Example: 宝くじで運が当たった！(Takarakuji de un ga atatta!) - I got lucky and won the lottery!
- 体に当たる (karada ni ataru): 'To hit the body.' This can mean something is bad for your health, like cold air or certain foods. Example: 冷たい風が体に当たって風邪をひいた。(Tsumetai kaze ga karada ni atatte kaze o hiita.) - The cold wind hit my body, and I caught a cold.
- 予想が当たる (yosō ga ataru): 'The prediction hits.' This means a prediction or guess turned out to be correct. Example: 彼の予想はいつも当たる。(Kare no yosō wa itsumo ataru.) - His predictions are always correct.
- 目に当たる (me ni ataru): 'To hit the eye.' This refers to something bright or harsh shining directly into one's eyes. Example: 西日が目に当たって眩しい。(Nishibi ga me ni atatte mabushii.) - The setting sun is hitting my eyes and is dazzling.
Pronunciation: The word あたり is pronounced roughly as /a.ta.ɾi/. The 'r' sound is a light flap, similar to the 'dd' in the American English word 'ladder' or the 'tt' in 'butter.' The stress is relatively even across the syllables, without a strong emphasis on any one part.
Grammar: As a noun, あたり often follows other nouns or demonstratives (like 'kono' - this, 'sono' - that) to indicate a general area. For example, 公園あたり (kōen atari) means 'around the park.' It can also be used after numbers or quantities to mean 'approximately' or 'per,' such as 10個あたり (jukkō atari) meaning 'around 10 items' or '10 items each.'
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet):
- British English approximation: /əˈtæri/
- American English approximation: /əˈtɑri/
Rhyming Words: While direct rhymes are less common due to its specific sound, words ending in '-ari' might be considered related in sound, such as わかり (wakari - understanding) or さわり (sawari - touch/gist).
Fun Fact
The verb 当たる (ataru) is also used for winning a lottery ('hit the jackpot'), which shares the same kanji and root concept of 'reaching' a desired outcome.
Pronunciation Guide
Starts with a soft 'uh' sound, followed by 'ta' like in 'tar', and ending with 'ree' like in 'tree'.
Similar to UK, but the 'a' sound is more open, like in 'father'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'r' too strongly, like an English 'r'. It should be a light flap.
- Putting too much stress on the last syllable 'ri'. The stress is relatively even.
- Confusing the vowel sounds, especially the 'a' sound.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to understand in context, but nuances can be tricky.
Straightforward to use for general approximation, but requires care for formality and specific meanings.
Very common in spoken Japanese, easy to incorporate.
Frequently heard, usually clear from context.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
高级
Grammar to Know
Noun + Particle
公園<strong>で</strong>遊ぶ (Play <strong>in</strong> the park) vs 公園<strong>あたりで</strong>遊ぶ (Play <strong>around</strong> the park)
Demonstratives (Kono, Sono, Ano)
<strong>この</strong>あたり (<strong>This</strong> area) vs <strong>その</strong>あたり (<strong>That</strong> area)
Counters and Distribution
一人<strong>あたり</strong> (per person) vs 一人<strong>に</strong>一枚 (one per person - specific distribution)
Examples by Level
ここあたりに駅がありますか？
here around station is there?
あたり follows location nouns.
朝あたりに電話します。
morning around will call.
あたり follows time nouns.
このあたりは静かです。
this around is quiet.
Subject + あたり + predicate.
あのあたりを見てください。
that around please look.
Demonstrative + あたり.
約10人あたり。
about 10 people around.
Number + unit + あたり.
公園あたりに友達がいます。
park around friend is.
Location + あたり + particle.
それはこのあたりです。
that this around is.
Pronoun + あたり + copula.
夜あたりに食べます。
night around will eat.
Time + あたり + verb.
このあたりに美味しいパン屋さんはありますか？
this around delicious bakery is there?
Asking for a place in the vicinity.
午後3時あたりに会議があります。
afternoon 3 o'clock around meeting is.
Approximate time for an event.
駅のあたりはいつも賑やかです。
station's around always lively is.
Describing the atmosphere of an area.
このあたりで一番安い店はどこですか？
this around cheapest shop where is?
Finding something within a general area.
一人あたりいくら払えばいいですか？
one person around how much pay should?
Cost per person.
あのあたりに何か面白いものがありますか？
that around something interesting is there?
Inquiring about attractions in a general location.
週末あたりに旅行の計画を立てます。
weekend around travel plan will make.
Making plans for an approximate time.
このあたりで一番大きな公園はどこですか？
this around biggest park where is?
Identifying a specific item within a general area.
このあたりで評判の良いレストランを探しています。
this around reputation good restaurant looking for.
Using あたり to specify a search area for a service.
締め切りは来週あたりになると思います。
deadline next week around will become think.
Giving an approximate timeframe for a deadline.
その地域のあたりを調査しました。
that region's around investigated.
Conducting research in a general area.
一人あたり平均して5万円くらいかかります。
one person around on average 50,000 yen costs.
Expressing average cost per person.
このあたりで子供が遊べる安全な場所はありますか？
this around children can play safe place is there?
Asking for suitable locations within a vicinity.
会議は午後5時あたりに終わる予定です。
meeting afternoon 5 o'clock around finish scheduled.
Indicating the approximate end time of an event.
このあたりで一番古い建物はどれですか？
this around oldest building which is?
Identifying a specific landmark within a general area.
来月あたりに引っ越すことを考えています。
next month around moving thinking.
Expressing intention for an approximate future time.
このあたり一帯は再開発が進んでおり、雰囲気が変わりました。
this around entire area redevelopment progressing, atmosphere changed.
Using あたり一帯 to emphasize the whole surrounding area.
彼の説明は核心を突いていたが、細部にはあたりが甘かった。
his explanation core hit, but details around was weak.
Implies 'hitting the core' but missing specifics (related to 当たる).
一人あたりの所得が増加傾向にある。
one person around income increasing trend is.
Statistical usage: income per person.
その地域あたりでは、独特の文化が育まれてきた。
that region around unique culture has been nurtured.
Describing cultural characteristics of an area.
プロジェクトの完了は、当初の予定より遅れ、年末あたりになりそうだ。
project's completion, original plan than delayed, year-end around will likely be.
Indicating a revised, approximate completion date.
このあたりで、地域住民のニーズに応えるサービスを提供したい。
this around local residents' needs respond service provide want.
Expressing a desire to serve the needs of the local vicinity.
彼は、その分野における第一人者というよりは、周辺の事情に通じた人物というあたりだ。
he, that field's leading figure rather than, surrounding circumstances knowledgeable person around is.
Describing someone's expertise as being knowledgeable about the surrounding context.
その小説は、都会の喧騒あたりを舞台にした人間ドラマだ。
that novel, city's hustle and bustle around stage set human drama is.
Setting a story in the general environment of urban chaos.
このあたり一帯の景観は、近年急速に近代化が進んでいる。
this around entire area landscape, recent years rapidly modernization progressing.
Emphasizing the comprehensive nature of change in the vicinity.
彼の分析は、問題の本質を捉えているものの、具体的な解決策の提示にはあたりが不足していた。
his analysis, problem's essence capturing although, concrete solutions' presentation vicinity was insufficient.
Critiquing a lack of specific detail or practical application (related to 当たる).
一人あたりのGDPは国の経済力を測る重要な指標となる。
one person around GDP country's economic strength measure important indicator becomes.
Formal statistical term: Gross Domestic Product per capita.
その作家は、地方都市の何気ない日常あたりを描写することに長けている。
that author, provincial city's casual daily life around depicting excels at.
Capturing the essence or atmosphere of everyday life in a location.
プロジェクトの遅延により、最終的な納品は当初の予定時期を過ぎ、秋口あたりになると見込まれる。
project's delay due to, final delivery original planned period passed, early autumn around will become expected.
Specifying a revised timeframe, indicating early autumn.
地域活性化のため、このあたりで新たな文化交流拠点の設立を計画している。
regional revitalization for, this around new cultural exchange hub's establishment planning.
Proposing the creation of a hub within the local area.
彼は、専門分野の最先端というよりは、その周辺領域における深い知見で評価されている。
he, specialized field's cutting edge rather than, its surrounding areas' deep knowledge evaluated.
Highlighting expertise in adjacent or related fields.
その映画は、現代社会における人間関係の希薄さあたりをテーマにしている。
that movie, modern society's human relationships' thinness around theme has.
Exploring themes related to the general state of human connection in modern society.
このあたり一帯の地質調査によると、過去に大規模な地殻変動があったことが示唆されている。
this around entire area geological survey according to, past large-scale crustal movement occurred indicated.
Formal usage in scientific reports for a geographical area.
彼の批評は、作品の意図するところを的確に捉えつつも、芸術的表現の自由という観点からは、ややあたりが広いと言わざるを得ない。
his critique, work's intent accurately capturing while, artistic expression's freedom viewpoint from, slightly approximation is wide must say.
Nuanced critique suggesting a broad interpretation, possibly lacking precise focus (related to 当たる).
国民一人あたりの平均寿命は、公衆衛生の向上とともに着実に延びている。
national one person around average lifespan, public health's improvement with steadily extending.
Precise demographic statistic: average lifespan per national.
その作家は、失われゆく日本の原風景あたりを丹念に描写することで、独自の文学的地位を確立した。
that author, disappearing Japan's original scenery around meticulously depicting, unique literary position established.
Evoking a sense of nostalgia and capturing the essence of disappearing traditional scenery.
パンデミックの影響で、当初予定していたプロジェクトの完了時期は、当初の計画よりも大幅にずれ込み、来年度の初頭あたりになる可能性が高い。
pandemic's influence by, originally planned project's completion time, original plan than significantly slipped, next fiscal year's beginning around will become possibility high.
Formal projection of a significantly delayed completion date.
地域コミュニティの持続可能性を確保するため、このあたりで多世代交流を促進する新たな試みが始まっている。
local community's sustainability ensure for, this around multi-generational exchange promote new initiative starting.
Initiating programs to foster interaction within the local vicinity.
彼は、特定の学問分野の権威というよりは、学際的な視点から諸問題を俯瞰し、その周辺領域における新たな可能性を探求することで知られている。
he, specific academic field's authority rather than, interdisciplinary viewpoint from various problems overview, its surrounding areas' new possibilities exploring known.
Describing expertise in interdisciplinary connections and adjacent research areas.
そのドキュメンタリーは、現代社会における人間疎外の普遍性あたりを、静謐な映像と抑制された語り口で描き出している。
that documentary, modern society's human alienation's universality around, quiet imagery restrained narration depicts.
Artistic exploration of abstract themes related to the human condition in contemporary society.
常见搭配
Idioms & Expressions
"あたりまえ (atarimae)"
Natural, obvious, common sense, as it should be.
遅刻しないのはあたりまえだ。(Chikoku shinai no wa atarimae da.) - It's natural/obvious not to be late.
neutral"あたりをつける (atari o tsukeru)"
To make a guess, to estimate, to figure out the approximate location or nature of something.
犯人のあたりをつけて捜査を進めている。(Hannin no atari o tsukete sōsa o susumete iru.) - They are proceeding with the investigation by making a guess about the criminal.
neutral"あたりはずれ (atari hazure)"
Success or failure, hit or miss, luck (often used for lotteries or games of chance).
このくじはあたりはずれが大きいから面白い。(Kono kuji wa atari hazure ga ōkii kara omoshiroi.) - This lottery is interesting because there's a big difference between winning and losing.
casual"あたりさわりがない (atari sawari ga nai)"
Harmless, inoffensive, bland, not touching on sensitive issues.
彼のスピーチはあたりさわりがない内容だった。(Kare no supīchi wa atari sawari ga nai naiyō datta.) - His speech was inoffensive/bland in content.
neutral"あたりめ (atarime)"
Dried squid (a snack). This is a slang term.
ビールのおつまみにあたりめを買った。(Bīru no otsumami ni atarime o katta.) - I bought dried squid as a snack for beer.
casual/slang"あたりめーだ (atarimē da)"
A very casual, slangy version of あたりまえだ (atarimae da), meaning 'Of course!' or 'Obviously!'
勝つのはあたりめーだろ！(Katsu no wa atarimē daro!) - Of course we'll win!
very casual/slangEasily Confused
Same pronunciation and often related etymologically.
当たリ (with kanji 当) usually means 'hit', 'success', 'jackpot', or 'average'. あたり (often in hiragana or with kanji 辺) means 'vicinity', 'around', 'area'.
宝くじが<strong>当たり</strong>ました。(Takarakuji ga <strong>atari</strong>mashita.) - I won the lottery. / この<strong>あたり</strong>は静かです。(Kono <strong>atari</strong> wa shizuka desu.) - This area is quiet.
Can be read as 'atari' and means 'area' or 'vicinity'.
辺 is a kanji that can be read as 'hen' (e.g., in 周辺 shūhen) or sometimes 'atari'. While related, あたり in hiragana is the most common form for the general 'around' meaning in everyday speech.
この<strong>辺</strong>は開発が進んでいます。(Kono <strong>hen</strong> wa kaihatsu ga susunde imasu.) - This area is undergoing development. (Here 辺 is read 'hen' and is more formal than あたり).
Both relate to time and indicate approximation.
頃 (koro/goro) specifically refers to an approximate time or period (e.g., 'around noon', 'in those days'). あたり can also refer to time, but is broader and can also mean physical area.
昼<strong>頃</strong>に会いましょう。(Hiru <strong>goro</strong> ni aimashō.) - Let's meet around noon. / 昼<strong>あたり</strong>に会いましょう。(Hiru <strong>atari</strong> ni aimashō.) - Let's meet around noon (slightly more general).
Both indicate approximation, often with numbers or time.
くらい/ぐらい is used for approximation of quantity, degree, or time (e.g., 'about 5 people', 'about 3 hours'). あたり can also be used for approximation, especially with quantities ('per person') or general areas.
5人<strong>くらい</strong>います。(Go-nin <strong>kurai</strong> imasu.) - There are about 5 people. / 5人<strong>あたり</strong>いくらですか？(Go-nin <strong>atari</strong> ikura desu ka?) - How much is it per 5 people?
Sentence Patterns
Noun + あたり
駅<strong>あたり</strong>はいつも混んでいます。(Eki <strong>atari</strong> wa itsumo konde imasu.) - Around the station is always crowded.
Demonstrative + あたり
この<strong>あたり</strong>は静かでいいですね。(Kono <strong>atari</strong> wa shizuka de ii desu ne.) - It's nice that this area is quiet.
Number + Counter + あたり
一人<strong>あたり</strong>の料金はいくらですか？(Hitori <strong>atari</strong> no ryōkin wa ikura desu ka?) - How much is the charge per person?
Noun + あたり + Particle (e.g., に, で, を)
公園<strong>あたりに</strong>住んでいます。(Kōen <strong>atari ni</strong> sunde imasu.) - I live in the vicinity of the park.
Time Noun + あたり
明日の朝<strong>あたり</strong>に電話します。(Ashita no asa <strong>atari</strong> ni denwa shimasu.) - I'll call tomorrow morning, around that time.
词族
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
相关
How to Use It
Formality Scale
常见错误
あたり implies approximation. For exact locations, use particles like に (ni) or で (de) directly with the place name.
あたり means 'around' a time, not the exact time itself.
あたり is generally more colloquial and less precise than its formal counterparts.
This usage is about distribution or rate, not approximation.
The kanji can differ (辺 vs 当) and the meanings, while related, are applied differently.
Tips
Visualize the 'Target Area'
Imagine you're playing darts. The bullseye is the exact spot, but the entire board area around it is the 'atari' zone. This helps remember the 'vicinity' meaning.
Soften Your Statements
Use あたり when you want to sound less direct or precise. It's a great way to make your Japanese sound more natural and polite in everyday conversations.
Embrace Approximation
Japanese culture often values indirectness and approximation. あたり fits perfectly into this communication style, allowing for flexibility and avoiding overly blunt statements.
Location + あたり = General Area
Remember the pattern: [Place Name] + あたり. For example, 'Tokyo Station' + あたり = 'around Tokyo Station'. Easy!
Flap That 'R'!
The Japanese 'r' is a quick flap, like the 'dd' in 'ladder'. Practice saying 'a-ta-ri' with a light, quick 'r' sound.
Don't Mix 'Vicinity' and 'Per Person'
Remember that 一人あたり means 'per person', not 'around one person'. Context is key!
From 'Hitting' to 'Around'
The word comes from the verb 'to hit'. Think of 'hitting' a general area or timeframe, and you'll understand the connection!
Contextual Learning
Instead of just memorizing 'atari = around', try to find 5 different sentences using it (e.g., 'around here', 'around noon', 'per person', 'around the station').
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'a target' (atari) area. You're aiming for the target area, but you might land 'around' it.
Visual Association
Imagine throwing a dart. The area where the dart lands, or the general vicinity around the bullseye, is the 'atari'.
Word Web
挑战
Try describing the location of objects in your room using あたり. For example, 'My book is on the desk あたり.'
词源
Japanese
Original meaning: Derived from the verb 当たる (ataru), meaning 'to hit', 'to strike', 'to reach', or 'to be equivalent to'. The sense of 'vicinity' evolved from the idea of 'reaching' or 'being within the range of' a certain point or area.
文化背景
Using あたり is generally not sensitive. It's a neutral term for approximation. However, in very formal or technical contexts, more precise language might be preferred.
In English, we use phrases like 'around', 'in the vicinity of', 'nearby', 'about', or 'approximately' to convey similar meanings. The Japanese あたり is more flexible and frequently used in casual conversation.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Asking for directions
- このあたりに駅はありますか？ (Kono atari ni eki wa arimasu ka?) - Is there a station around here?
- あのあたりで一番大きな建物は何ですか？ (Ano atari de ichiban ōkina tatemono wa nan desu ka?) - What is the largest building around there?
- 駅あたりで待ち合わせましょう。(Eki atari de machiawasemashō.) - Let's meet around the station.
Talking about cost/distribution
- 一人あたりいくらですか？ (Hitori atari ikura desu ka?) - How much is it per person?
- 三人あたりで分けると安くなります。(Sannin atari de wakeru to yasuku narimasu.) - It becomes cheaper if divided by three people.
- このセットは四人あたりです。(Kono setto wa yo-nin atari desu.) - This set is for four people.
Describing a general location
- このあたりは静かです。(Kono atari wa shizuka desu.) - This area is quiet.
- 町のあたりを散歩しました。(Machi no atari o sanpo shimashita.) - I took a walk around town.
- そのあたりに住んでいます。(Sono atari ni sunde imasu.) - I live in that area.
Estimating time
- 昼あたりに食べましょう。(Hiru atari ni tabemashō.) - Let's eat around noon.
- 夜あたりに電話します。(Yoru atari ni denwa shimasu.) - I'll call around evening.
- 来週あたりに結果が出ます。(Raishū atari ni kekka ga demasu.) - The results will come out around next week.
Conversation Starters
"このあたりで、おすすめのレストランはありますか？"
"週末あたりに何か予定はありますか？"
"このあたりに昔住んでいたことがあるんですか？"
"この辺り（あたり）と、あの辺り（あたり）では、雰囲気が違いますね。"
"一人あたりどれくらいの予算で考えていますか？"
Journal Prompts
Describe your neighborhood using the word あたり. What is it like around here?
Think about a time you guessed something (a location, a time, a quantity). How would you express that using あたり?
Imagine you are planning a trip. Use あたり to describe the approximate time you plan to travel or the general area you want to visit.
Write about a place you know well. Use あたり to describe the general atmosphere or key features of that area.
常见问题
8 个问题あたり is generally more casual and implies a broader, less defined area. 周辺 is more formal and often refers to the immediate surrounding area or periphery, sometimes with a more technical nuance.
Yes, あたり can be used with time expressions (like 朝 - asa, 午後 - gogo) to mean 'around' or 'approximately' that time.
Often, あたり is written in hiragana. However, the kanji 辺 (hen/atari) can also be used, especially in compounds like 周辺 (shūhen). The kanji 当 (tō/ataru) is used for the verb 'to hit' and related nouns like 当たり (hit/success).
一人あたり means 'per person' or 'each person'. It's used to indicate a rate or distribution on an individual basis, not an approximation of the number of people.
に and で mark specific locations or points of action. あたり indicates a general area or vicinity, implying less precision.
While あたり itself is more common in casual to neutral speech, related terms like 周辺 (shūhen) and 近辺 (kinpen) are used in formal contexts. The 'per unit' usage (一人あたり) is common in both formal and informal settings.
Both mean 'around here'. このへん is generally more casual and spoken, while このあたり is slightly more neutral and can be used in slightly more formal situations or writing.
Yes, related to the verb 当たる (ataru), 当たり can mean a 'hit' or 'success' (like in a lottery or game), and the adjective あたりまえ means 'obvious' or 'natural'.
自我测试
この＿＿＿に美味しいカフェがありますか？
あたり means 'around here' and fits the context of asking about a nearby place.
「午後あたり」の意味はどれですか？
あたり indicates an approximation, so 'Around 1 PM' is the correct meaning.
「一人あたり500円」は、「一人に500円」という意味です。
一人あたり means 'per person', so it translates to '500 yen per person'.
Word
意思
These pairs show common collocations of あたり with demonstratives and nouns.
The correct sentence is 'このあたりは静かです' (Kono atari wa shizuka desu), meaning 'This area is quiet.'
公園＿＿＿でピクニックをしました。
公園あたりで means 'in the vicinity of the park' or 'around the park'.
「あたりまえ」の意味に最も近いものはどれですか？
あたりまえ means obvious or natural.
「あたりをつける」は、正確な場所を特定するという意味です。
「あたりをつける」 means to guess or estimate, not to identify precisely.
The correct sentence is '一人あたりいくらですか？' (Hitori atari ikura desu ka?), meaning 'How much is it per person?'
その小説は、現代社会の人間関係の＿＿＿をテーマにしている。
あたり here refers to the general state or atmosphere of human relationships in modern society.
得分： /10
Summary
Use あたり to speak about general areas and approximate times, making your Japanese sound more natural and flexible.
- あたり means 'around', 'vicinity', or 'approximately'.
- Used for both physical areas and general times.
- Commonly follows nouns, demonstratives, or numbers+counters.
- Adds a sense of vagueness and naturalness to speech.
Visualize the 'Target Area'
Imagine you're playing darts. The bullseye is the exact spot, but the entire board area around it is the 'atari' zone. This helps remember the 'vicinity' meaning.
Soften Your Statements
Use あたり when you want to sound less direct or precise. It's a great way to make your Japanese sound more natural and polite in everyday conversations.
Embrace Approximation
Japanese culture often values indirectness and approximation. あたり fits perfectly into this communication style, allowing for flexibility and avoiding overly blunt statements.
Location + あたり = General Area
Remember the pattern: [Place Name] + あたり. For example, 'Tokyo Station' + あたり = 'around Tokyo Station'. Easy!
Related Content
更多nature词汇
～上
B1Above; on top of; up.
〜の上
A2On top of, above, upon.
豊か
B1Abundant; rich; plentiful (na-adjective).
〜に従って
B1According to, in conformity with, as (something happens).
酸性雨
B1Acid rain.
営み
B1Activity; daily life; undertaking (e.g., life's activities).
順応する
B1To adapt; to adjust; to conform.
~を背景に
B1Against the backdrop of; with...as background.
空気
A2air
大気汚染
B1Air pollution; the presence of harmful substances in the air.
