expense
N3- Onyomi
- ヒ
- Kunyomi
- つい(やす)
- Stroke count
- 12
- JLPT
- N3
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 費 down and you get 弗 (not / currency mark) — two strands pulled taut and crossed, straining against each other, and beside it 貝 (shell / money) — a shell, the money people once traded with. Picture a drawstring purse with coins spilling from it, put 費 inside it, and let that scene stand for "expense" — expense. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 12
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12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 12 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
費用
hiyou
expense
費やす
tsuiyasu
to spend (time
費やして
tsuiyashite
spend (time — te-form
費やします
tsuiyashimasu
spend (time — polite present
費やさない
tsuiyasanai
spend (time — plain negative
費やしました
tsuiyashimashita
spend (time — polite past
Example sentences (5)
引っ越しの費用を計算しました。
ひっこし の ひよう を けいさん しました。
hikkoshi no hiyou o keisan shimashita.
I calculated the cost of moving.
費用は会社が出してくれることになっています。
ひよう は かいしゃ が だして くれる こと に なっています。
hiyou wa kaisha ga dashite kureru koto ni natteimasu.
The company is supposed to cover the expenses.
旅行の費用を計算しました。
りょこう の ひよう を けいさん しました。
ryokou no hiyou o keisan shimashita.
I calculated the cost of the trip.
アルバイトで生活費を稼いでいます。
あるばいと で せいかつひ を かせいでいます。
arubaito de seikatsuhi o kaseideimasu.
I earn my living expenses through a part-time job.
地方は生活費が安いです。
ちほう は せいかつひ が やすい です。
chihou wa seikatsuhi ga yasui desu.
The cost of living is low outside the big cities.