A. According to the on or Chinese sound (Japano-Chinese).

1. Full, as [阿] a, [伊] i; so in Chinese.

2. Contracted, as [安] a, [印] i; in Chinese an, in.

B. According to the kun (yomi) or Japanese reading.

1. [天] ame (heaven), [地] tsuchi (earth), [大地] ohotokoro (great place). Each character is here read with one of its ordinary Japanese pronunciations and meanings.

2. Combined characters of similar meaning read as one word (Japanese)—[明淸] akirakeku (bright).

3. Combined characters of different meaning read as one word—[海士] ama (fisherman), [蜻蛉] akitsu [or seirei] (dragon-fly).

4. The characters are read as = a Chinese translation of the Japanese word—[行知所] shiroshimeshi (govern).

5. The character or combination is read according to an ancient meaning—[不知] isa (no, not so), [服] hada (naked skin).