当てはまる
Meaning in Englishto be applicable, to come under (a category)
Animated kanji stroke order
Word context
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)