N1 · Structured courses

Ni Wa Ataranai: Not Worth

"It doesn't warrant such a reaction"—downplaying. This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

12 minNihongo Hub Editorial TeamPublished 2026-06-06Updated 2026-06-06

Learning objectives

  • Lesson goals: "It doesn't warrant such a reaction"—downplaying.
  • Form and connection: [Noun/Verb辞书形] には当あたらない
  • Nuance in real use: には当たらない restores things to their proper size—some things are inflated, and you use this grammar to shrink them back.

Form and connection

[Noun/Verb辞书形] には当あたらない

Core Explanation

"It doesn't warrant such a reaction"—downplaying.

Cultural Note

には当たらない restores things to their proper size—some things are inflated, and you use this grammar to shrink them back.

Practical examples

It's nothing to be surprised about.
It doesn't warrant praise.

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.
Show answer[Noun/Verb辞书形] には当あたらない
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerIt's nothing to be surprised about.
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answer称賛しょうさんには当あたらない。 ([Noun/Verb辞书形] には当あたらない)

Continue learning