支
Support
| on’yomi | kun’yomi | Radicals |
|---|---|---|
| し | ささ.える | 支 |
Meaning: Support
The hard part about learning this kanji is that the radical looks the same but doesn’t have the same meaning. So, let’s make a story. The frog was all alone (just like in this kanji). Nobody else was there to help him. He had to support the weight of the building to make sure it didn’t fall on the elementary school.
When you think “frog” you have to automatically think about this story. Embellish and add to it if you want. Make it more ridiculous. Make it more vivid. Whatever you need to do to remember that Frog = support.
Reading: し
To remember the reading し, we use the name Charlie “Sheen.” – Remember the frog from when you learned that this kanji means support? He’s holding up an entire building to keep the children safe. Just when you think he’s going to succeed, Charlie Sheen jumps on the building, pushing it down until it crushes the frog. He laughs maniacally as he runs off.
Make sure you’re rooting for the frog! He’s trying to support everything by himself, after all. True underdog story. Then, feel horrified when Sheen makes his appearance, ruining everything the frog ever worked for.
Vocabulary
Try to learn the meaning of this one word before moving on (and if you’re super cool, the reading too).
a 支える（ささえる）＝ To Support (Something)
- Meaning: This vocab’s meaning is the same as the kanji. Keep in mind it usually has to do with real things (as in physical things) that you’re supporting.
- Reading: Think of yourself supporting two saws (ささ) when you need to remember the reading for this word.