Help with reading: 助太刀

[Megumin]

Can anyone help me figure out why it’s 助太刀すけだち when ち is not on the Kun or On readings?

[Algirion]

There’s also just the word 太刀 that is read たち, and is a type of a samurai sword. Apparently, the reading comes from 断ち, which means to cut or sever.

[Megumin]

Thanks, I think I sorta get it now where it comes from.

[matt_in_mito]

Lol, you see this every day in Japanese. The unfortunate fact is that you just have to learn these.

Just to confuse you even more…

秋刀魚さんま - a strange reading, but it’s delicious at this time of year

[Megumin]

@matt_in_mito

秋刀魚

Great…

adds it to Anki

[Biffers]

There are quite a few words whose kanji use a unique reading that’s neither onyoni or kunyomi. They just have to be learned independently. Don’t worry though, it’s just like learning a vocabulary word audibly. You’ll be able to memorize it.

[Daru]

And then there’s 当て字 to top things off.