Translation guide
This English idiom means to be exactly right, accurate, or successful in achieving an intended effect. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, different expressions are used depending on whether you mean a guess was correct, a statement was on point, or an action was effective.
To say that a guess, prediction, or remark was exactly correct or perfectly described the situation.
"Do you like her, by any chance?" "You hit the mark."
His remark hit the mark, so I couldn't say anything.
Literally 'hitting the target'. Used for comments, criticisms, or analyses that are accurate and to the point. Slightly more formal than 図星.
I think his opinion hits the mark.
A casual, everyday way to say 'that's right' or 'you're spot on'. Often used in conversation to agree with a guess or statement.
"It's Monday today, right?" "You're right."
To say that an action, strategy, or product was successful and had the intended effect.
Literally 'there was an effect'. A straightforward way to say something worked or was effective.
The new ad hit the mark. Sales increased.
Literally 'as aimed'. Emphasizes that things went exactly as planned or intended.
The strategy hit the mark.
Simply 'was successful'. A general term, but can be used when 'hit the mark' means 'succeeded'.
The presentation hit the mark.
To literally hit a target or bull's-eye in sports or games.
The English idiom 'hit the mark' cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. Phrases like マークを打つ or 印を打つ are not used idiomatically. Use the expressions above depending on context.
The bullet hit the mark.