当たる

• Reading: あたる
• Romaji: ataru
• Kanji breakdown: 当 (ataru/tou) — hit, apply, right
• Pronunciation: /a.ta.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To be hit; to strike; to be successful. A versatile verb covering contact, accuracy, and luck.

A Group 1 (godan) intransitive verb with many extended meanings: to hit a target (的に当たる), to win a lottery (宝くじが当たる), to be exposed to sunlight/wind (日に当たる), to be correct (予想が当たる), and even food poisoning (食あたり). Context determines the meaning.

Examples

1. 宝くじが当たったら旅行に行きたい。 If I won the lottery, I'd want to go on a trip.
2. 天気予報が当たらないことも多い。 Weather forecasts are often wrong too.
3. ボールが窓に当たって割れた。 The ball hit the window and broke it.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, luck, sports

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 当 (ataru, to hit/apply). The kanji 当 originally depicted an arrow striking its mark — the idea of something landing exactly where intended.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal