Skip to content
JapanLingo

support / branch

N3
Onyomi
Kunyomi
Stroke count
4
JLPT
N3

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 tree heavy with ripe fruit among its leaves, with the kanji 支 ("support") drawn into the picture.

Picture a tree heavy with ripe fruit among its leaves: that is what 支 means — support / branch. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 十 (ten / cross) — two lines crossing at the centre, and beside it 又 (right hand) — a hand closing round something. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 4

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 4 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.

Step by step

1
2
3
4

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

shiharai

payment

shisha

branch office

shuushi

income and expenditure

shishutsu

expenditure

shien

support

shiten

branch (store

Example sentences (4)

shiharai wa kaado de onegai shimasu.

I would like to pay by card.

shiharai ga okureru baai wa, hayame ni renraku shite kudasai.

If your payment will be late, please contact us early.

mazushii kuni no kodomotachi o shien suru katsudou ni sanka shiteimasu.

I take part in activities that support children in poor countries.

raigetsu, oosaka shisha ni tenkin shimasu.

I am transferring to the Osaka branch next month.