How Do I Classify a Kanji Root’s Role?

We classify the role a kanji root plays in the modern form of a compound kanji into 6 categories:

• Proper root – a root that exists in the modern kanji and has historically existed.
• Phonetic root – a root that exists in the modern kanji and lends it a similar reading.
• Emergent root – a root that exists in the modern kanji but has not historically existed.
• Historical root – a root that does not exist in the modern kanji but has historically existed.
• False root – a root that does not exist in the modern kanji but may appear to be part of the kanji.
• Pseudo-root – a “root” that has no historical meaning but visually appears to be part of the kanji. Pseudo-roots are often formed by the corruption of one or more roots.

To classify a kanji root’s role within a kanji, use the following guidelines:

1. Does the root appear to exist within the modern kanji?
   Y - Jump to 3.
   N - Continue to 2.
2. Has the root existed in the kanji historically?
   Y - The root is a historical root.
   N - The root is not a root for this kanji.
3. Has the root existed in the kanji historically?
   Y - Jump to 6.
   N - Continue to 4.
4. Is this root actually part of another root within the kanji?
   Y - The root is a false root.
   N - Continue to 5.
5. Did the root appear midway through the kanji's history through corruption/simplification?
   Y - The root is a pseudo-root.
   N - The root is an emergent root.
6. Does the root lend a similar sound to the kanji? Or has it historically?
   Y - The root is a phonetic root.
   N - The root is a proper root.