JLPT N1

～に（は）あたらない

No need to; not worth; not appropriate to

Structure

Verb plain form + にはあたらない | Noun + にはあたらない

How it works

This expression indicates that an action or emotion is not necessary, appropriate, or warranted given the circumstances. It downplays the significance of something.

Examples

そんなことで驚くにはあたりません。

There is no need to be surprised by such a thing.

Common mistakes

Using it to mean 'you shouldn't do X' in a command sense; it's about appropriateness or necessity.

Tip

Think of it as 'it doesn't amount to X' or 'it's not worthy of X'.

More JLPT N1 grammar

いかんによらずをもってをものともせずともなるとであれたりとも~ないに足る極まりない

See ～に（は）あたらない in real Japanese

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