
- pictograph(s) -- e.g. 木 = tree
- ideograph(s) -- abstractions, e.g. 一 = one
- logical aggregate(s) -- e.g. 安 = peace (roof, woman)
- phonetic complex(es) -- e.g. 忠 = loyal (center, m: heart)
- associative transformation(s) -- extension to related concept
- borrowing(s) -- unrelated meaning, similar pronunciation