Quick answer
払 is the kanji for "to pay". It is a JLPT N3 kanji. The main reading is はら.う (harau). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
to pay
Also : to clear out · to brush off · to dispose of
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
5 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 払 represents 'PAY'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of pay.
On-reading: ふつ — remember this sound by associating it with pay. Kun-reading: はら.う.
Example Sentences
料金を払いました。
りょうきんをはらいました。
I paid the fee.
手を払って虫を追い払いました。
てをはらってむしをおいはらいました。
I waved my hand to shoo away the insect.
Vocabulary using 払
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
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