noun
Refers to an intended target, objective, or purpose. Often used in phrases like 当てが外れる (to miss one's aim) or 当てにする (to count on).
彼の当ては医者になることだ。
His aim is to become a doctor.
天気予報が外れて、当てが外れた。
The weather forecast was wrong, so my plans went awry.
noun
expectations; hopes; prospects
Refers to something one expects or hopes for, often in the sense of relying on a future event or person. Common in 当てが外れる (expectations are dashed) or 当てにする (to count on).
彼を当てにしてはいけない。
You shouldn't count on him.
宝くじに当たるのを当てにしている。
I'm pinning my hopes on winning the lottery.
noun
something reliable; a sure thing
Refers to a person or thing that can be relied upon; a dependable resource. Often used in negative contexts to say something is not reliable.
彼は当てにならない男だ。
He is an unreliable man.
この情報は当てにならない。
This information is not reliable.
noun
snack with alcohol; drinking snack
Kansai dialect term for a small dish or snack served with alcoholic drinks, similar to おつまみ or さかな in standard Japanese.
大阪では、居酒屋で当てを頼むのが普通や。
In Osaka, it's common to order a snack with your drink at an izakaya.
noun, used as a suffix
Suffix used in compound nouns to indicate a protective pad or guard, e.g., 肩当て (shoulder pad), 膝当て (knee pad).
バレーボールをするときは膝当てをつける。
I wear knee pads when playing volleyball.
noun, used as a suffix, noun, used as a prefix
Suffix or prefix used in words related to hitting or striking, e.g., 当て身 (striking vital points), 当て投げ (a throw in judo).
柔道では当て身技は試合で禁止されている。
In judo, striking techniques are prohibited in competition.
suffix
addressed to; care of
Only when written 宛 / 宛て
Suffix attached to a name or address to indicate the recipient, like 'c/o' or 'addressed to'. Written as 宛 or 宛て.
この手紙は田中様宛です。
This letter is addressed to Mr. Tanaka.
suffix
Suffix meaning 'per' or 'for each', usually written in kana. Also written as 充て. Example: 一人あて (per person).
一人あて千円かかります。
It costs 1,000 yen per person.
Variant of 宛; also used for the 'addressed to' suffix.
目的 is a more formal and direct word for 'purpose' or 'objective', while 当て often implies a more personal aim or something one counts on.
期待 means 'expectation' or 'anticipation' in a general sense, while 当て specifically refers to expectations one relies on or counts on happening.
おつまみ is the standard Japanese term for a snack with alcohol, while 当て is the Kansai dialect equivalent.
Derived from the verb 当てる (ateru, 'to hit, to apply, to assign'). The noun form 当て developed various meanings related to aiming, relying on, and assigning.