Meaning
The kanji 払 (はら.う) signifies actions primarily involving movement, often with the hands, to remove something, transfer something, or dismiss something. Its core meanings are 'to pay' (as in money), 'to brush off' (dust, snow), 'to clear away' (obstacles, worries), or 'to shake off' (negative feelings). It often implies pushing or sweeping something outward, or a transaction involving a transfer of resources.
The origin of 払 offers a clear illustration of how semantic and phonetic components combine to form a character. The left radical, 手 (て), clearly signifies 'hand,' indicating that the kanji's actions are performed manually. The right component, 厶 (ム or ぼう), primarily serves as a phonetic element. Although it hinted at the ancient Chinese pronunciation, its sound has significantly diverged in modern Japanese readings. Some interpretations suggest 厶 subtly hints at a sweeping or private motion, but its phonetic role is more widely accepted. Together, the 'hand' radical visually reinforces actions like sweeping, brushing, or signaling a payment. Composed of 5 strokes, 払 is a 3rd Grade Jōyō Kanji, meaning it's part of the standard set taught in elementary school and commonly used in everyday Japanese.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The On'yomi for 払 is フツ (FUTSU). While officially listed, this reading is exceedingly rare in modern Japanese, especially in common vocabulary. It's more historically associated with the older, less common form 拂, which has largely been replaced by 払. Consequently, you'll seldom encounter 払 with its On'yomi in everyday contexts. When it does appear, it's typically in very specific, often archaic or specialized compounds. For example, in a Buddhist context, you might encounter:
- 払子 (hossu) — a Buddhist whisk (a ritual implement)
While it's useful for learners to be aware of its existence, its practical application is minimal compared to its Kun'yomi.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The Kun'yomi are the most frequently used readings for 払, playing an active role in native Japanese vocabulary. These readings directly convey the core meanings of 'to pay,' 'to brush off,' or 'to clear away.'
はら.う (harau): This is the primary verb form, meaning 'to pay,' 'to brush off,' 'to sweep away,' 'to dispel,' or 'to get rid of.'
お金を払う (okane o harau) — to pay money
埃を払う (hokori o harau) — to brush off dust
不安を払う (fuan o harau) — to dispel anxiety
-ばら.い (-barai): This reading functions as a suffix, typically appearing as the second component in compound words. It specifies a method or type of payment.
前払い (maebarai) — prepayment
後払い (atobarai) — postpayment, payment after delivery
月払い (tsukibarai) — monthly payment
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 払 is highly versatile, appearing in numerous compound words across various contexts. Its most common applications involve financial transactions and physical actions of removal.
Payment-Related Terms
- 支払う (shiharau) — to pay, to make a payment (a very common transitive verb)
- 支払い (shiharai) — payment (noun form of 支払う)
- 未払い (miharai) — unpaid, outstanding payment (e.g., 未払い金 - miharaikin: outstanding amount)
- 払い戻し (haraimodoshi) — refund, reimbursement
- 現金払い (genkinbarai) — cash payment
- カード払い (kādobarai) — card payment
- 分割払い (bunkatsubarai) — installment payment, payment in installments
- 一括払い (ikkatsubarai) — lump-sum payment, full payment at once
- 着払い (chakubarai) — payment on delivery, cash on delivery (COD)
Action & Removal-Related Terms
- 振り払う (furiharau) — to shake off, to cast off (e.g., worries, dust)
- 拭い払う (nuguiharau) — to wipe away, to brush off (often something like tears or sweat)
- 気を払う (ki o harau) — to pay attention, to be careful, to be considerate (a more abstract 'paying' of care)
- 厄払い (yakubarai) — exorcism, purification to ward off evil or misfortune (literally 'clearing away misfortune')
- 帳尻を払う (chōjiri o harau) — to balance accounts, to settle up (literally 'to clear the ledger's end')
Example Sentences
レジで代金を払います。
Reji de daikin o haraimasu.
I will pay the bill at the register.
このサービスは月払いです。
Kono sābisu wa tsukibarai desu.
This service is paid monthly.
コートについた雪を払った。
Kōto ni tsuita yuki o haratta.
I brushed off the snow from my coat.
彼は古い借金をすべて払い終えた。
Kare wa furui shakkin o subete harai oeta.
He finished paying off all his old debts.
不安な気持ちを振り払うように努めた。
Fuan na kimochi o furiharau yō ni tsutometa.
I tried to shake off my anxious feelings.
今月の公共料金の支払いを忘れないでください。
Kongetsu no kōkyōryōkin no shiharai o wasurenaide kudasai.
Please don't forget to pay this month's utility bills.
大雪のため、道の雪をみんなで払った。
Ōyuki no tame, michi no yuki o minna de haratta.
Due to heavy snow, everyone helped clear the snow from the road.
その問題解決には、多大な労力を払う必要があった。
Sono mondai kaiketsu ni wa, tadai na rōryoku o harau hitsuyō ga atta.
Solving that problem required a great deal of effort.
神社で厄払いをしてもらい、一安心した。
Jinja de yakubarai o shite morai, hitoanshin shita.
After having an exorcism at the shrine, I felt relieved.
Memory Tip
To remember 払, focus on its components. The left part is the radical 手 (て), meaning 'hand.' This is a strong visual clue that the action involves your hand. The right part, 厶 (ム), can be visualized as a broom or symbolizing a sweeping motion. Imagine your hand (手) making a sweeping motion (厶) to brush off dust, clear away obstacles, or even 'sweep away' money as you pay a bill. The implied action is always one of removal, transfer, or dismissal, often with a simple, decisive movement.