Translation guide
How to express hitting the exact center of a target, both literally and figuratively, in Japanese.
He hit the bull's-eye with his arrow.
More casual; 'hit the very middle'. Often used in everyday contexts like games.
I hit the bull's-eye in darts!
Means 'to make a hit' or 'to score a direct hit'. More formal or technical, used in contexts like shooting or military.
I hit the intended target dead center.
Expressing that a guess, answer, or action was perfectly accurate or successful.
Literally 'point out the bull's-eye'. Used when someone accurately guesses or points out a hidden truth or sensitive point.
His remark hit the bull's-eye.
Means 'to hit the core/essence'. Used when a statement or question gets to the heart of the matter.
Means 'to be right on target' or 'to come true' (for predictions). Common for guesses or forecasts.
His prediction hit the bull's-eye.
A colloquial onomatopoeic word meaning 'exactly right' or 'spot on'. Used for precise matches or perfect timing.
図星 (zuboshi) is used when someone accurately guesses a hidden truth or sensitive point, often with a nuance of being caught out. 核心 (kakushin) refers to the core or essence of a matter, so 核心を突く means to get to the heart of an issue. Use 図星 for personal revelations, 核心 for logical or argumentative points.
He hit the bull's-eye and I couldn't say anything.
Her opinions always hit the bull's-eye.
That question hits the bull's-eye.
The answer was right on the bull's-eye.