当り

あたり

hit, success, reaching the mark

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"当り" (あたり) primarily means a "hit" or "success," often used when something reaches the mark or is correct. It can refer to winning something, like a lottery prize, or being accurate in a prediction.

Different Contexts

  1. Winning or hitting a prize: Used in contexts like lotteries or games where you "hit" a jackpot or prize.
  2. Approximate area or vicinity: It can also mean "around here" or "this area," referring to a location.
  3. Correctness or accuracy: When someone's guess or prediction is right, "当たり" expresses that correctness.

Common Collocations

  • 当たり前 (あたりまえ): obvious, natural
  • 大当たり (おおあたり): big hit, jackpot
  • 当たりくじ: winning lottery ticket
  • この辺り (このあたり): around here, this area

Usage Notes

"当り" is often seen in compound words or expressions. When used alone, context clarifies whether it means a physical hit, success, or area. Learners should not confuse "当り" with "あたり" used as a suffix indicating approximate quantities or locations, though they share the same reading.

Register is neutral and common in both spoken and written Japanese.

Example Sentences

たからくじでおおきなあたりがでた。

I hit the jackpot in the lottery.

このあたりはしずかですみやすい。

This area is quiet and easy to live in.

かれのよそうはあたりだった。

His prediction was correct.