Word
Kana: あてはまる Romaji: atehamaru Level: N2

当てはまる

Meaning in English

to be applicable, to come under (a category)

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What it means

When something 当てはまる, it means it applies to or fits a particular condition or category. In practical terms, it describes a statement, description, or rule that correctly matches the subject, indicating relevance or applicability.

Main meanings

  • to apply to a case or condition, atehamaru
  • to be relevant or appropriate to a statement, atehamaru
  • to match a description or criterion, atehamaru
  • to fall under a category or rule, atehamaru

How to use it

Commonly used in formal and explanatory contexts with the grammar pattern XはYに当てはまる to indicate that Y applies to X; in casual conversation speakers may prefer 〜が合う or 〜が該当する; typical subjects are nouns or noun phrases describing conditions, rules, or criteria.

Variants and close terms

  • 該当する (gaitou suru) — to correspond, to fall under
  • 適用される (tekiyou sareru) — to be applied
  • 適合する (tekigou suru) — to be suitable or compliant
  • 該当しない (gaitou shinai) — does not apply

Composition

  • 当て: core kanji meaning 'to apply', 'to hit', indicating matching or selection
  • て: hiragana connector forming the stem
  • はまる: 'to fit', 'to be in place', here expressing alignment with a description or rule

Etymology

Native formation atehamaru is formed from 当て- and はまる; the kanji 当て conveys a sense of applying or matching, while はまる conveys 'to fit' or 'to be in place', and the combination yields the meaning 'to be applicable or to fit a description'.

Word class

verb (五段動詞・自動詞)

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