Japanese symbol for “expectations”
当て
あて
Romaji: ate
aim; object; purpose; end
In Japanese, expectations is 当て, read あて (ate).
Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.
Meanings
- n aim; object; purpose; end
- n expectations; prospects; hopes
- n something that can be relied upon
- n snack served with alcoholic drink
- n-suf pad; guard
- n-pref, n-suf blow; strike
Written forms: 当て、宛、宛て. Readings: あて.
Kanji and stroke order
Other Japanese words for “expectations”
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| あべし | あべし abeshi | (having) expectations; (having) an ideal |
| 当て事 | あてごと ategoto | hopes; expectations |
| 期待値 | きたいち kitaichi | expectations |
Related words
Words that share a kanji.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 本当 | ほんとう hontou | truth; reality; actuality |
| 当時 | とうじ touji | at that time; in those days |
| 担当 | たんとう tantou | being in charge (of an area of responsibility); being responsible (for a work role, etc.) |
| 当然 | とうぜん touzen | natural; right; proper |
| 相当 | そうとう soutou | corresponding to (in meaning, function, etc.); being equivalent to |
| 当選 | とうせん tousen | being elected |
See also: Chinese symbol for “expectations”.
Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.