Japanese symbol for “rule”
支配
しはい
Romaji: shihai
rule; domination; control
In Japanese, rule is 支配, read しはい (shihai).
Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.
Meanings
- n, vs, vt rule; domination; control
- n, vs, vt direction; management; guidance
- n, vs, vt control (of one's destiny, public opinion, etc.); governing; influence; sway
- n, vs, vt government (gramm)
Kanji and stroke order
Other Japanese words for “rule”
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 規則 | きそく kisoku | rule; regulation |
| 統治 | とうち touchi | rule; reign; government |
| 主義 | しゅぎ shugi | doctrine; rule; principle |
| 決まり | きまり kimari | rule; regulation |
| 規定 | きてい kitei | stipulation; prescription; provision |
Related words
Words that share a kanji.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 支払い | しはらい shiharai | payment |
| 支援 | しえん shien | support; backing; aid |
| 支持 | しじ shiji | support; backing; endorsement |
| 支店 | してん shiten | branch office; branch store |
| 支払う | しはらう shiharau | to pay |
| 心配 | しんぱい shinpai | worry; concern; anxiety |
| 配置 | はいち haichi | arrangement (of resources); deployment; stationing |
| 配慮 | はいりょ hairyo | consideration; concern; attention |
See also: Chinese symbol for “rule”.
Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.