当(あ)て字(じ)

あてじ
noun
phonetic kanji substitution
language
1. phonetic kanji substitution, ateji
The use of kanji purely for their phonetic value, disregarding their semantic meaning. Also refers to kanji assigned to words based on meaning rather than standard readings. A fundamental concept in understanding how Japanese writing works.
「珈琲(コーヒー)」は当(あ)て字(じ)だ。
The kanji for 'coffee' is ateji.
漫画(まんが)では当(あ)て字(じ)を使(つか)った独特(どくとく)のルビが多(おお)い。
In manga, there are many unique furigana readings that use ateji.
外来語(がいらいご)や地名(ちめい)には当(あ)て字(じ)が使(つか)われることが多(おお)く、亜米利加(アメリカ)や倫敦(ロンドン)などがその例(れい)である。
Ateji are often used for loanwords and place names — America (亜米利加) and London (倫敦) are examples.

Usage

Also written as 当(あ)て字(じ) or 宛字(あてじ). There are two main types of ateji:
1. Kanji used for sound only, ignoring meaning: 出鱈目(でたらめ) (random), 滅茶苦茶(めちゃくちゃ) (absurd)
2. Kanji assigned for meaning, with non-standard readings: 今日(きょう) (today), 大人(おとな) (adult)

In modern manga and light novels, creative ateji is used as a stylistic device — kanji convey one meaning while furigana indicate a different pronunciation, creating a layered reading experience.

Examples of common ateji

  • 珈琲(コーヒー): coffee
  • 煙草(たばこ): tobacco, cigarettes
  • 素敵(すてき): wonderful

Related Words

Compare: 熟字訓(じゅくじくん) (special kanji compound reading)
general
Added 2026.2.21 21:01 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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