当て字
Meanings
1
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).
"Sushi" is a typical example of ateji.
Ateji are sometimes used for loanwords.
2
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.
"Tabako" is an ateji based on meaning.
Usage patterns
- 〈言葉〉に当て字を使うto use ateji (phonetic/semantic kanji) for a word
The word "sushi" is written using ateji.
- 当て字で〈言葉〉を書くto write a word using ateji characters
He wrote his own name using ateji.
- 〈言葉〉に当て字を当てるto assign ateji characters to a word
Ateji are sometimes assigned to foreign place names.