a) 要 -> 如 -> 吐 -> 坪
要 YOU, i(ru) - essential(s) need
如 JO, NYO - equal, like, as, as if
吐 TOU, ha(ku) - spew, vomit, give vent to
坪 tsubo - unit of area
b) 架 -> 棋 -> 基 -> 坂
架 KA, ka(keru), ka(karu) - hang, build (a bridge)
棋 KI - go, shogi, Japanese chess
基 KI, moto, motoi - basis, foundation
坂 HAN, saka - slope, hill