The most commonly used
dictionary classification
method is the K'ang-hsi or bushou, a classification system
based upon the
logical composition of Chinese characters. Every characters
is classified
into one of 214 bushou or K'ang-hsi keys. These 214
radicals have a standardised
numbering system as show in the chart.
How to look up a
character
First you need to
determine what under
what key the character is classified.
Then you can click on
chart which brings
you to a new screen specifically for that bushou key
enabling you indicate
how many residual strokes the character has.
Count the number of
strokes necessary
to complete the character without counting the strokes
for the bushou
or radical itself.
Indicate the number of
residual strokes
in the selection box.
Continue completing the
search form
by modifying the output data section or keep the
default settings.
Click Search to start
your query.
Example
1
For example, the character
can be decomposed to radical 64
() and
phonetic ,
having 4 residual strokes. To search in the dictionary
click the chart on
radical 64 and select the number of residual strokes 4 in
the next page.
This will display all hits, including the one you are
looking for.
Example
2
Likewise the character
can be found under radical 213
with 17 residual strokes for the remainder .
Select radical 213 in the radical chart and in the next
page select 17 for
the residual strokes.
More info
Besides phonetic
classifications by sound,
Chinese/Japanese/Korean dictionaries can be arranged
according various logical
classifications such as character composition (e.g.
bushou), character stroke
buildup (e.g. four corner), or
artificial classifications
(e.g. Cangjie). Most popular is the arrangement according
K'ang-hsi
radicals or bushou. Chinese characters can
be logographically
decomposed into a meaning element and a
phonetic element.
The meaning element can be disposed by logical series,
under keys called
radicals (bushou), according to the number of
character strokes.
The Shuowen was the first lexicon thus disposed. The
K'ang-hsi dictionary
also contained 214 of such keys and this system is still in
use today. The
remainder of the character is generally indicated by
counting the remainder
of the character strokes (without radical).
