Translation and Meaning of: 当てはまる - atehamaru

If you've ever wondered how to say "apply a rule" in Japanese, the answer is 当てはまる (atehamaru). This word is essential for anyone looking to master the language, especially in formal or technical contexts. In this article, you will discover the etymology, its everyday use, and even tips for memorizing this term effectively. Furthermore, since Suki Nihongo is the largest online Japanese dictionary, here you can also find practical examples to include in your Anki and boost your studies.

Many people search on Google not only for the meaning of 当てはまる, but also how to differentiate it from similar words, such as 適用する (tekiyou suru). Are they interchangeable? And why does the kanji 当 play such an important role here? Let’s unravel all this directly, with real examples and even a touch of Japanese culture to make the learning more interesting.

Etymology and Pictogram of 当てはまる

The verb 当てはまる is formed by two kanjis: 当 (ate) and 嵌 (hamaru). The first, 当, carries the idea of "to hit" or "to be suitable," while 嵌 means "to fit." Together, they create the notion of something that fits perfectly to a rule or condition. It's no wonder this word is often used in manuals, laws, and even in everyday conversations when someone wants to say "this fits what we are talking about."

Interestingly, the kanji 嵌 is rare in modern Japanese and is often replaced by hiragana (はまる) in informal writing. If you have seen the word written as 当てはまる or あてはまる, know that both are correct, but the kanji version is more common in formal texts. So, can you imagine how this detail can confuse beginners?

Practical Use in Japanese Daily Life

In the workplace, 当てはまる appears in sentences like "この条件に当てはまる人は手を挙げてください" (kono jouken ni atehamaru hito wa te o agete kudasai), which means "Those who fit these requirements, please raise your hand." Did you notice how useful it is in situations that require clarity? Even in online forms, you find options like "該当する" (gaitou suru) or "当てはまる" to mark answers that apply to your case.

But be careful: this word is not used for physical things. You wouldn't say that a key "当てはまる" in the lock, for example. In this case, the correct verb would be 合う (au). This nuance is crucial and shows how Japanese values specific contexts. Have you tried to create a sentence with 当てはまる to practice?

Memory Tips and Curiosities

An infallible technique to 当てはまる is to associate it with bureaucratic situations. Imagine yourself filling out a form in Japan and checking the boxes where the rules apply to you. This mental image helps to fix not only the meaning but also the kanji 当, which appears in other important words like 当然 (touzen - "obvious") and 当たる (ataru - "to hit").

And here's a cultural gem: in Japanese TV shows, especially quiz shows, you often hear "その説明は当てはまらない！" (sono setsumei wa atehamaranai!) when a contestant tries to justify something that doesn't fit the rules. It's a dramatic (and even funny) way to see the word in action. How about watching some videos like that to catch the intonation?

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 当てはまる

• 当てはまる - Polished form
• 当てはまる - negative form
• 当てはまる - ive form
• 当てはまる - causative form

Synonyms and similar words

• 適用する (Tekiyō suru) - Apply; Use
• 適応する (Tekiyō suru) - Adjustment; Adapt to new conditions
• 合致する (Gacchi suru) - Correspond; Concorde
• 適合する (Tekigō suru) - Fit in; Be compliant