に当たるCorrespond to; count as
に当たる says that something corresponds to an equivalent, counts as a member of a category, or occupies a particular position under a stated standard.
What the construction connects
The noun before に当たる names the category, equivalent, date, position, amount, or standard that the subject matches. Depending on the relationship, natural English translations include “correspond to,” “be equivalent to,” “count as,” “fall under,” and simply “be.”
Categories, dates, and equivalents
The basis of the match is often stated explicitly, such as a rule, calendar, organization, or system of measurement.
Modifying a following noun
この組織で部長に当たる役職は、地域責任者と呼ばれている。
In this organization, the position corresponding to department head is called regional manager.
Analyze部長に当たる directly modifies the following word “position.”
Existing correspondence, assigned status, and unwarranted reactions
に当たる identifies an existing match under a standard. By contrast, を + assigned label + とする actively designates or treats something as having that status. A separate negative pattern, には当たらない, often says that a reaction or judgment is not warranted.
その程度のミスは、厳しく責めるには当たらない。
A mistake of that degree does not warrant severe criticism.
AnalyzeThis is the specialized evaluative negative, not a simple statement that two categories fail to correspond.
More examples
父の姉は、私の伯母に当たる。
My father's older sister is my aunt.
Analyzeこの講座の中級は、全五段階の第三段階に当たります。
The intermediate level of this course corresponds to the third of five levels.
Analyzeこの地域は、行政上は北部地区に当たる。
For administrative purposes, this area falls within the northern district.
Analyzeこのポイントは、千円分に当たる。
These points are equivalent to one thousand yen.
Analyze優勝者には、月給三か月分に当たる賞金が支払われる。
The winner receives prize money equivalent to three months' salary.
Analyze当時、この一帯は自然保護区域に当たっていた。
At the time, this entire area fell within a nature conservation zone.
Analyze