Vocabulary

What does 当て字 (あてじ, ateji) mean?

当て字 (あてじ, ateji) means ateji (kanji used phonetically or for meaning, not standard).

Quick facts
Reading	あてじ
Romaji	ateji
Level (estimated, JLPT framework)	N1

当て字あてじ

N1 · estimated, JLPT frameworkateji

ateji (kanji used phonetically or for meaning, not standard)

Example sentences

「寿司(すし)」は当(あ)て字(じ)として有名(ゆうめい)な表記(ひょうき)だ。
"Sushi" is a well-known example of ateji spelling.
この漢字(かんじ)は当(あ)て字(じ)だから読(よ)み方(かた)が特殊(とくしゅ)だ。
Since this kanji is an ateji, its reading is unusual.