当該

• Reading: とうがい
• Romaji: tougai
• Kanji breakdown: 当 (tou/ataru) — to apply, to correspond; 該 (gai) — relevant, to pertain to
• Pronunciation: /toː.ɡai/

Meaning

Relevant; applicable; the said; in question. Used attributively to indicate the specific item, person, or matter under official or formal discussion.

A formal attributive modifier (e.g., 当該事項, 当該人物) used in administrative, legal, and bureaucratic language to identify the specific subject without repeating its name. Rarely heard in everyday conversation — its presence signals an official or written register. Distinct from 関連 (related) in that 当該 points to the one specific item directly in question.

Examples

1. 当該条項に違反した場合は、直ちに契約を解除する。 If the relevant clause is violated, the contract shall be terminated immediately.
2. 当該地域の住民に対して説明会を開催することが決まった。 It has been decided that an explanatory meeting will be held for residents of the area in question.
3. 審査委員会は当該申請を審議の上、承認した。 The review committee deliberated on the application in question and approved it.

Usage Guide

Context: legal documents, administration, official reports

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 当 (tou) — to apply to, to correspond — and 該 (gai) — relevant, to pertain. Together they express something that applies directly to the matter at hand.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional/Academic