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.
Ateji are sometimes used for loanwords.
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.
The word "sushi" is written using ateji.
He wrote his own name using ateji.
Ateji are sometimes assigned to foreign place names.
Search-only form; not a standard written variant.