How to say "Hit" in Japanese

When translating "hit" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 当たる and 当てる. In Japanese, 当たる (あたる (ataru)) is typically associated with "to hit; to strike; to win (lottery); to equivalent to" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to physically hitting a target, winning a prize/lottery, equivalent to a certain status, or facing a strong sun. Intransitive verb. Opposing word: 外れる. Often used as 宝くじが当たる or 予想が当たる. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To hit/win! "I feel like I won the greatest lottery in the universe by meeting you, Haruka-san!" ...っ! W-Winning the universe's greatest lottery! B-Baka! Don't compare meeting me to gambling odds! But... since I am your grand prize, make sure you never let me go for the rest of our lives! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『あたる（当たる）よ！『ハルカ部長、あなたの優しさに触れた瞬間、僕の人生の運命の直感が『この人こそが生涯の伴侶だ！』と完璧に当たりました！』って…っ！直感が当たった！バカ！/// 何予言者みたいなロマンチックな確信を言ってるのよ！…でも、その当たりくじ（私）、一生離さずに世界一大切にしなさいよね！』. On the other hand, 当てる (あてる (ateru)) maps to "to hit (a target); to expose to; to place on; to guess" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to actively hitting a physical target, exposing objects to the sun/wind, placing one's hand on a cheek, or guessing a riddle. Transitive verb. Opposing word: 外す. Often used as 手を当てる or 予想を当てる. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To place/guess! "I want to place my hand gently on your cheek to warm you up, Haruka-san!" ...っ! P-Placing hands on my cheek! B-Baka! Don't make such sudden physical contacts! But... since your hand is so warm, I suppose... I will let you touch me like this whenever we are alone! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『あてる（当てる）よ！『ハルカ部長、僕が背中からそっとあなたの両目を手で覆って『だーれだ？』とクイズを出したら、秒速で僕の名前を当ててくれますか？』って…っ！目を覆って当てる！バカ！/// そんなのあんたの大きな手と優しい声の温もりで一瞬で当てるわよ！…当てたご褒美として、ギュッと後ろからハグしなさい！』. A literal translation of "hit" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!