The Meaning of atehamaru [当てはまる] In Japanese

当てはまる
あてはまる
Romaji: atehamaru N3

What does 当てはまる mean?

Translation and Meaning

to apply to, to be applicable to, to fit, to correspond to

Definition

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.

Type

verb (五段動詞・自動詞)

Stroke Order

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

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’.

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

Usage

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.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: think of a target that must exactly fit into a hole; when it does, it ‘applies’ and fits — ate (apply) + haru (fit) reminds you that the statement applies to the case.

Variations

  • 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

Example Phrases

  • この条件は私のケースに当てはまる。
    Kono jōken wa watashi no kēsu ni ateharu.
    This condition applies to my case.
    Lista:
    • この (kono) – this
    • 条件 (jōken) – condition
    • は (wa) – topic marker
    • 私 (watashi) – I
    • の (no) – genitive particle
    • ケース (kēsu) – case
    • に (ni) – to / in
    • 当てはまる (ateharu) – to apply / to fit
    Here, 「当てはまる」 means ‘to apply’ or ‘to fit’ in the context of a condition.
当てはまる