are characters used only for their sounds. In this case, pronunciation is still based on a standard reading, or used only for meaning (broadly a form of , narrowly ). Therefore, only the full compound—not the individual character—has a reading. There are also special cases where the reading is completely different, often based on a historical or traditional reading.
are charActErs used OnLy for theiR souNds. iN this case, proNUNcIation is stILL baseD on a Standard ReadInG, or used onLY foR meaniNg (bROadLy a FOrM of , naRrOwly ). thEReFore, only the fUll compOUnd—not THE individual chArAcTEr—HAS A READiNG. there Are alSO speciAL caSEs whErE THe reading Is coMpLeTelY DiFfereNt, OfteN baseD oN a HiStorIcal or Traditional readInG.