pay / clear away
N2- Onyomi
- フツ
- Kunyomi
- はら(う)
- Stroke count
- 5
- JLPT
- N2
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Picture a drawstring purse with coins spilling from it: that is what 払 means — pay / clear away. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 扌 (hand) — a hand reaching in from the left, and beside it 厶 (private / self) — arms drawn in, keeping something to oneself. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 5
General writing tips
These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.
- •上から下へ書きます。Write from top to bottom.
- •左から右へ書きます。Write from left to right.
- •横の画を先に、縦の画を後に書きます。Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
- •外側の囲みを先に書き、中を後で書きます。Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
- •中央を先に、左右を後に書きます。In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
- •この漢字は5画です。下の練習エリアで順番に書いてみましょう。This kanji has 5 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.
Step by step
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
払う
harau
to pay
払って
haratte
pay — te-form
支払い
shiharai
payment
払います
haraimasu
pay — polite present
払いました
haraimashita
pay — polite past
支払いする
shiharaisuru
to do payment
Example sentences (6)
支払いはカードでお願いします。
しはらい は かーど で おねがい します。
shiharai wa kaado de onegai shimasu.
I would like to pay by card.
支払いが遅れる場合は、早めに連絡してください。
しはらい が おくれる ばあい は、はやめ に れんらく して ください。
shiharai ga okureru baai wa, hayame ni renraku shite kudasai.
If your payment will be late, please contact us early.
ここでお金を払ってください。
ここ で おかね を はらって ください。
koko de okane o haratte kudasai.
Please pay here.
今月の家賃はもう払いました。
こんげつ の やちん は もう はらいました。
kongetsu no yachin wa mou haraimashita.
I have already paid this month's rent.
出向している間も、給料は本社から支払われます。
しゅっこう している あいだ も、きゅうりょう は ほんしゃ から しはらわれます。
shukkou shiteiru aida mo, kyuuryou wa honsha kara shiharawaremasu.
Even while on secondment, the salary is paid by the head office.
支払いが確認できない場合、サービスが停止されることがあります。
しはらい が かくにん できない ばあい、さーびす が ていし される こと が あります。
shiharai ga kakunin dekinai baai, saabisu ga teishi sareru koto ga arimasu.
If payment cannot be confirmed, the service may be suspended.