A written symbol or mark used to represent something, often in a specialized context such as business or inventory.
secret price mark; coded price tag
A coded mark used by retailers to indicate the cost or wholesale price of an item, not meant for customers to understand.
The price of the product is written in symbols.
This store uses secret price marks to manage cost prices.
The spies communicated using a secret code.
You can't get in unless you know the password.
暗号 is a general term for code or cipher, often used in cryptography; 符丁 implies a more informal or commercial secret code, such as shop marks or insider jargon.
隠語 refers to secret words or jargon used by a specific group (e.g., criminals, professionals); 符丁 can overlap but also includes written symbols and price marks.
Standard kanji form for all senses.
Variant kanji form; less common than 符丁.
Rarely used kanji form.
The exact derivation is uncertain; the kanji 符 (sign, mark) and 丁 (counter, leaf) suggest a written tally or mark, possibly originating from merchant codes.