Kanji structure
How radicals and components distinguish similar kanji
Breaking a complex character into reusable parts makes new and easily confused kanji easier to observe.
Key idea
A radical helps dictionary classification and can hint at meaning, but it is not a rule that fully explains every modern word.
How to use it
Compare similar characters side by side and mark the exact stroke that differs. Group characters that share a component and attach one representative word to each.
Next step
Check the overall layout, semantic radical, remaining components, and one real word, then write the character once without a guide.