あて
あて
noun
prospect
1.
prospect
expectation; hope; something one is counting on
あてがない。
I have no prospect/plan.
成功のあてはあるのか。
Is there any prospect of success?
あてにしていた援助が得られなかった。
I couldn't get the aid I was counting on.
あてがはずれた。
My expectations were disappointed.
2.
target
destination; object aimed at; person relied upon
あてもなく歩く。
To walk without a destination.
彼をあてにしている。
I'm counting on him.
あてがはずれた。
My expectations were disappointed.
あて is a versatile noun expressing the concept of something to rely on or aim for.
KANJI:
- Can be written as 当て, but hiragana is common
SENSE 1 - PROSPECT:
- An expectation or hope for something
- Something one is counting on or relying on
SENSE 2 - TARGET:
- A destination or goal
- A person one relies upon
KEY EXPRESSIONS:
- あてがない (to have no prospect/plan)
- あてにする (to count on, rely on)
- あてにならない (to be unreliable)
- あてがはずれる (expectations fall through)
- あてもなく (aimlessly, without destination)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 収入のあて (income prospect)
- 就職のあて (job prospect)
- あてを失う (to lose one's prospect/plan)
NUANCE:
- Often used in negative contexts (あてがない, あてにならない)
- Suggests something uncertain or hoped-for rather than guaranteed
REGISTER: Neutral to informal.