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.
Literally 'bull's-eye'. This is the most common and natural way to say a guess or remark hit the mark. Often used when someone correctly guesses what you're thinking or the truth of a situation.
「もしかして、彼女のこと好きなの？」「図星だよ。」
"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.
彼の意見は的を射ていると思う。
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.
「今日は月曜日だっけ？」「当たってるよ。」
"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.
新しい広告は効果があった。売上が伸びた。
The new ad hit the mark. Sales increased.
Literally 'as aimed'. Emphasizes that things went exactly as planned or intended.
作戦は狙い通りだった。
The strategy hit the mark.
Simply 'was successful'. A general term, but can be used when 'hit the mark' means 'succeeded'.
プレゼンは成功した。
The presentation hit the mark.
To literally hit a target or bull's-eye in sports or games.
The standard phrase for hitting a physical target.
矢が的に当たった。
The arrow hit the mark.
A slightly more formal or technical term for hitting a target, often used in shooting or military contexts.
弾丸が標的に命中した。
The bullet hit the mark.
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.