kanji used phonologically (ateji): characters assigned for their sound, ignoring their original meaning (e.g., 珈琲 for ‘coffee’)
『珈琲』は音に合わせた当て字の代表的な例だ。
'珈琲' is a typical example of ateji chosen for its sound.
外国語の語を漢字で表すとき、当て字を使うことがある。
When representing foreign words in kanji, ateji are sometimes used.
古い書物には、現在とは違う当て字の表記が見られる。
Old writings show ateji spellings different from modern ones.
kanji used for their meaning rather than their reading: characters assigned because of their semantic fit (not prioritized for sound)
店名に『福来』と書いて別の読みを与えるのは、意味を重視した当て字の一例だ。
Writing a shop name as '福来' and giving it a different reading is an example of ateji focused on meaning.
意味で漢字を当てる当て字は、広告や名称でよく見られる。
Ateji that assign kanji by meaning are often seen in advertising and names.