あたり
atari
The Japanese phrase for "per" is あたり (atari).
あたり is used after a noun to indicate a rate or a distribution per unit.
Meaning: for each (prep)
Which one should you use?
につき is a more formal alternative to あたり when expressing 'per' in a rate or ratio.
How do you pronounce it?
atari
Did you know?
- The word あたり shares its root with the verb あたる, meaning 'to hit a target'. In a lottery context, あたり is the word written on a winning ticket to indicate a 'hit'.
- While あたり measures rates, it also means 'vicinity' or 'neighborhood' when used as a noun. For example, このあたり means 'around here'.
- The more formal version, につき, can behave like a conjunction meaning 'because of' or 'due to' when used in official notices. For example, a sign might say a shop is 'closed due to construction' using this specific term.
Examples in context
- 携帯電話から国際電話をかけても、モビラなら「１分あたり２０円」でかけられます。Even making an international phone call from a cell phone can be done for 20 yen per minute with Mobila.This sentence is useful for learning how to express a rate using あたり.Tatoeba #75558 by bunbuku, translation #328160 by AlanF_US
- 一着ごとPer item of clothing
- 一人につきPer person
- このプランは一人につき一泊五千円です。This plan costs 5,000 yen per person per night.
- バナナは一キロにつき千円です。Bananas are 1,000 yen per kilogram.
- １人あたり、１千円の予算です。hitori atari, sen'en no yosan desu.The budget is 1,000 yen per person.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing the budget for a team lunch.
- 美咲 Misakiランチの予算は１人あたりいくらですか？ranchi no yosan wa hitori atari ikura desu ka?How much is the budget per person for lunch?
- 健太 Kenta１人あたり１５００円で考えています。hitori atari sen gohyaku en de kangaete imasu.I am thinking of 1,500 yen per person.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さんの案はとてもいいですね。Kenta-san no an wa totemo ii desu ne.Your plan is very good, Kenta.
- 健太 Kentaありがとうございます、美咲さん。Arigatou gozaimasu, Misaki-san.Thank you, Misaki.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
