The kanji 支 primarily conveys the idea of "to support," "to prop up," or "to sustain." It implies a sense of providing assistance, holding something up, or being a branch or part of something larger. It also suggests the act of branching out or extending.

・On-yomi (音読み): シ (shi) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): ささ-える (sasa-eru)

⚫︎ 支持 (shiji) Translation: Support; backing; endorsement ⚫︎ 支える (sasaeru) Translation: To support; to sustain; to prop up ⚫︎ 支出 (shishutsu) Translation: Expenditure; expense; disbursement

The kanji 支 is a pictograph. It depicts a hand (represented by a horizontal line) holding up a branch or a plant (represented by the vertical stroke). This visual representation symbolizes the action of supporting or holding up something, which is the core meaning of the character. Over time, the form has simplified, but the essential meaning of support and sustenance remains.