Quick answer
当 is the kanji for "to hit". The most common reading is あ.たる (ataru). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
to hit
Also : Right · Appropriate · Himself
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
6 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 当 represents 'HIT'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of hit.
On-reading: とう — remember this sound by associating it with hit. Kun-reading: あ.たる.
Example Sentences
担当者に連絡してください。
たんとうしゃにれんらくしてください。
Please contact the person in charge.
当然のことをしただけです。
とうぜんのことをしただけです。
I just did what was natural.
Vocabulary using 当
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
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