An aim, object, or purpose — the immediate goal or intention.
彼に会う当てがあって、ここに来た。
I came here with the intention of meeting him.
旅行の当てはまだ決まっていない。
I haven't decided on a destination for the trip yet.
Expectations, prospects, or hopes — often used in expressions like '当てがある' (to have a prospect) or '当てがない' (to have none).
当てがなくて途方に暮れてしまった。
I was at a loss with no prospects.
彼女は来年の仕事の当てがあるらしい。
She seems to have a job prospect for next year.
援助の当てがあるかどうか心配だ。
I'm worried about whether there is any prospect of assistance.
Something or someone you can rely on; often used as '当てになる' (reliable) or '当てにする' (to rely on).
あの先輩は急なトラブルのときに当てになる。
That senior colleague is reliable when sudden trouble arises.
その情報は当てにならないから別の資料を探そう。
That information can't be relied upon, so let's look for other sources.
彼を最後の当てにしてはいけない。
You shouldn't make him your last resort.
In some dialects (e.g., Kansai), a snack or small dish served with alcoholic drinks.
ビールのあてに枝豆を頼んだ。
I ordered edamame as a snack to go with the beer.
居酒屋では刺身が定番のあてだ。
Sashimi is a classic bar snack at izakaya.
As a suffix, denotes a pad or guard used for cushioning or protection (e.g., 肩当て, ひじ当て).
古いコートの肩当てが破れている。
The shoulder pad of the old coat is torn.
机にはひじ当てが付いていて肘が痛くない。
The desk has an elbow rest, so my elbows don't hurt.
A use indicating a blow or strike (appearing as a noun or in compounds).
試合で相手の強い当てを受けて倒れた。
He was knocked down by a strong hit from his opponent during the match.
As a suffix meaning 'addressed to' (e.g., 山田様宛), indicating the recipient or addressee.
山田様宛の手紙を封筒に入れた。
I put the letter addressed to Mr. Yamada into the envelope.
荷物に『営業部長宛』と大きく書いておいてください。
Please write 'To Sales Manager' clearly on the package.
Used as a suffix to mean 'per' (e.g., 一人当て), often written as 充て.
会費は一人当て500円です。
The fee is 500 yen per person.