当とうを得える

と

う

を

え

る

Meanings

1

expression, ichidan verb

be appropriate; be right; be in order

Used to say that a statement, action, or decision is fitting, reasonable, or hits the mark. Often appears in negative forms like 当を得ない (inappropriate, off the mark).

彼かれの指し摘てきは当とうを得えている。
His point is right on the mark.
その批ひ判はんは当とうを得えないと思おもう

。

I think that criticism is off the mark.

Written forms

当とうを得える
Standard kanji spelling for this set phrase.
とうを得える
Kana spelling of the first element is sometimes seen, especially in less formal writing.

Kanji

当hit, right, appropriate
得gain, get, find

Similar words

的まとを射いる
的を射る means 'to hit the bullseye' or 'to be exactly right', often used for a precise answer or remark. 当を得る is broader and can refer to appropriateness or reasonableness of an action or statement.
当あたる
当たる is a general verb meaning 'to hit', 'to be correct', or 'to apply to'. 当を得る is a fixed expression that specifically means 'to be appropriate' or 'to be right'.

Etymology

A set phrase combining 当 (the mark, the right point) and 得る (to get). Literally 'to get the mark', meaning to be on target or appropriate.