当(あ)てがない

あてがない
expression
to have no prospect; have nothing to go on
1. to have no prospect; have nothing to go on; have no clue
Indicates a lack of any reliable lead, plan, or person to depend on for achieving something. 当(あ)て means a dependable hope or expectation.
就職(しゅうしょく)の当(あ)てがない。
I have no job prospects.
泊(と)まる当(あ)てがないまま旅(たび)に出(で)た。
I set off on the trip with no place to stay lined up.
お金(かね)を借(か)りる当(あ)てがなくて困(こま)っている。
I'm in trouble because I have no one to borrow money from.

当(あ)て means a dependable hope or expectation — a person, plan, or resource one can rely on. The negative ～がない states that no such thing exists.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 就職(しゅうしょく)の当(あ)てがない: to have no job prospects
  • 当(あ)てもなく歩(ある)く: to walk with no destination in mind
  • 当(あ)てがはずれる: one's expectations are disappointed

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 見込(みこ)みがない: to have no prospects — emphasizes the likelihood of success
  • 当(あ)てにする: to count on — the positive expression, 'to rely on something'
general
Added 2026.5.16 12:10
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