Skip to content
JapanLingo

depend on

N2
Onyomi
Stroke count
8
JLPT
N2

Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.

Memory tip

A flat illustration of a person bent forward from the waist in a bow, with the kanji 依 ("depend on") drawn into the picture.

Break 依 down and you get 亻 (person) — a person standing at the left of the scene, and beside it 衣 (clothing) — a garment with its collar and sleeves. Picture a person bent forward from the waist in a bow, put 依 inside it, and let that scene stand for "depend on" — depend on. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 8

General writing tips

These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.

  • •Write from top to bottom.
  • •Write from left to right.
  • •Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
  • •Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
  • •In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
  • •This kanji has 8 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.

Step by step

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Practice Writing

Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.

Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.

Writing Tips

  • Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
  • Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
  • Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
  • Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.

Example words

irai

request (formal)

izon

dependence

iraisuru

to do request (formal)

izonsuru

to do dependence

keisaiirai

publication request

iraishita

plain past: did request (formal)

Example sentences (3)

dezain no shigoto o irai saremashita.

I was asked to do a design job.

kyuuna irai deshita ga, nantoka maniaimashita.

It was a sudden request, but I somehow made it in time.

tsuika no irai ga atta baai wa, mazu nouki o soudan shite kudasai.

If there is an additional request, please discuss the deadline first.