a) 架 -> 柱 -> 素 -> 続
架 KA, ka(keru), ka(karu) - hang, build (a bridge)
柱 CHUU, hashira - pillar, column, pole
素 SO, SU - element, naked, simple
続 ZOKU, tsuzu(ku) - continue
b) 姿 -> 如 -> 吐 -> 堀
姿 SHI, sugata - figure, form, shape, appearance
如 JO, NYO - equal, like, as, as if
吐 TOU, ha(ku) - spew, vomit, give vent to
堀 hori - moat, canal, ditch