Mao Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Tapping (pū) Kangxi stroke count: 8 Page 468, Entry 21 Tang Rhymes (Tangyun) and Collection Rhymes (Jiyun) cite the pronunciation as ban. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it means to divide. In the Book of Documents (Shangshu), specifically the Announcement of Luo (Luogao), it says: Then it is only you, the young child, to whom I distribute my responsibilities without respite. Note that in the ancient script version of the Book of Documents, the character for distribute is written as this character. Also, per Broad Rhymes (Guangyun), Collection Rhymes (Jiyun), and Rhyme Compendium (Yunhui), the pronunciation is bin. The meaning is the same. Furthermore, according to the Erudite Refinements (Boya), it means to decrease. Additionally, according to the Classified Chapters (Leipian), it refers to the distribution of vital energy (qi). It is also written in a variant form. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it is formed with the tapping radical. This character was originally formed with the tapping radical.