支配
しはい · shihai · JLPT N3 · noun
rule
👑 支配 = branch out (支) + distribute (配): hand out orders to every branch
支 means branch or support; 配 means distribute or allot. Whoever allots resources to every branch holds control. Sound hook: shihai is like she-high, she sits high and rules. Same 配 as in 配達 (delivery) and 心配 (worry).
支 — hand 又 holding a branch 十
Originally a pictograph showing a hand (又) holding a branch broken from a tree, depicting the act of supporting or propping something up. From this came meanings like 'branch,' 'to support,' and 'to pay out.' It also serves as a phonetic component in characters like 枝 (branch) and 技 (skill).
配 — wine vessel 酉 + self 己
Originally depicted a person 己 beside a wine jar 酉, suggesting matching or distributing wine at ceremonies. From this came the meaning 'to pair, match, distribute,' and later 'to deserve' or 'to mix/compound.' The 酉 component gives the wine-related semantic root, while 己 contributes phonetically.