noun
ateji; phonetic-equivalent character; substitute character
Kanji used primarily for their sound rather than meaning, often in loanwords or names. Common examples include 寿司 (sushi) and 珈琲 (coffee).
「寿司」は当て字の代表例です。
"Sushi" is a typical example of ateji.
外来語に当て字を使うことがあります。
Ateji are sometimes used for loanwords.
noun
kanji used for meaning irrespective of reading
Kanji chosen for their semantic fit, ignoring the standard reading. Often seen in creative or literary contexts, such as 煙草 (tabako) for tobacco.
「煙草」は意味に合わせた当て字です。
"Tabako" is an ateji based on meaning.
Search-only form; not a standard written variant.
熟字訓 (jukujikun) are kanji compounds read with a native Japanese word, like 大人 (otona), whereas ateji focus on phonetic or semantic matching without regard to standard readings.
Compound of 当て (ate, 'assigning') + 字 (ji, 'character'). The term refers to the practice of assigning kanji to words based on sound or meaning rather than standard readings.