English–Japanese

“phonetic kanji” in Japanese

Japanese

Pronunciation

Romajiateji

Example

名前に当て字を使います。na mae ni a te ji o tsuka i ma su

I use phonetic kanji in names.

Illustration for 当て字 (phonetic kanji)

How to say “phonetic kanji” in Japanese

“Phonetic kanji” in Japanese is 当て字 (ateji).

It uses kanji as flexible labels, letting their sounds or selected meanings represent a word without requiring the normal kanji reading.

Full entry for 当て字: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 当て字

漢字の意味ではなく、音に合わせて当て字を選びます。kan ji no i mi de wa na ku oto ni a wa se te a te ji o era bi ma su

We choose phonetic kanji based on their sounds rather than their meanings.

Tips for using 当て字

  • In personal names, 当て字 (ateji) can let the chosen kanji add a desired association while the reading supplies the name's sound.

“phonetic kanji” in other languages