Translation guide
The center of a target, or a direct hit on it. Also used figuratively for a perfect guess or achievement.
Referring to the physical center of a target (e.g., in archery, darts) or hitting it exactly.
Literally 'center of the target'. A clear, neutral way to refer to the bull's-eye area.
矢が的の中心に当たった。
The arrow hit the center of the target.
Commonly used for a direct hit on the bull's-eye, especially in figurative contexts like guessing correctly. Can also refer to the physical bull's-eye.
彼の指摘は図星だった。
His remark hit the bull's-eye.
その質問は図星を突いた。
That question hit the nail on the head.
Literally 'black star', often used for the black circle in the center of a target. Can also mean a loss or failure in sports (opposite of white star for win), so context matters.
彼は黒星に命中させた。
He hit the bull's-eye.
A formal or literary term for the bull's-eye or the exact point. Often used in the phrase 正鵠を射る (to hit the mark).
彼の批評は正鵠を射ている。
His criticism hits the bull's-eye.
When someone's guess, comment, or answer is exactly right.
To point out the bull's-eye; to hit the nail on the head. Very common for saying someone's guess is correct.
彼女の答えは図星を指していた。
Her answer was right on the mark.
A casual way to say 'That's exactly right' or 'You hit the bull's-eye.'
A: もしかして、疲れてる？ B: 図星だ。
A: Are you tired, by any chance? B: Bull's-eye.
Means 'correct answer'. Used when someone guesses correctly, like in a quiz. Not specifically 'bull's-eye' but conveys the idea of being exactly right.
Describing a success that hits the intended target exactly, often in business or personal goals.
As intended; exactly as aimed. Used when a plan or action succeeds perfectly.
作戦は狙い通りに成功した。
The strategy succeeded exactly as planned.
A hit; striking the target. Often used in phrases like 予想が的中する (a prediction comes true).
彼の予想が的中した。
His prediction hit the bull's-eye.
図星 is the everyday word for bull's-eye in both literal and figurative senses. 正鵠 is more formal and often used in writing or set phrases like 正鵠を射る.
The English word 'bull's-eye' is not directly translated into a single common Japanese noun. Instead, use phrases like 的の中心 or 図星 depending on context.
その推測は正解だった。
That guess was right on the money.