Meaning

Primary

To Be Found

Alternative

To Be Spotted

Word Type

intransitive verb, godan verb

Explanation

This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an sound, you know this word is a verb.

見当たる is made up of the kanji for see and right, so what happens when you see the right thing? It was able to be found!

This word is generally used in the negative form (見当たらない). You can use it as a roundabout expression for when you can’t find what you’re looking for.

Reading

みあたる
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

The readings for this word are both kun'yomi readings. You've learned both of these readings by now so you should be able to read this on your own.

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 見当たりません

    not be found

    見当たらない

    can't be found

Context Sentences

雨の日はクラスを休む人が見当たる。

On a rainy day, you see some people not coming to class.

コンビニに行っても、アイスが見当たらなかった。

I went to a convenience store, but I couldn't find any ice cream.

地図をよく見ても、中々ホテルが見当たらない。

Even if I look closely at the map, I can't find the hotel.

Kanji Composition