You Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Distinguish (biàn) Kangxi stroke count: 7 Page 1290, Entry 04 Ancient character. Pronounced bian (falling tone). This is the original form of the character for distinguish. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it means to distinguish or differentiate. The shape of the character mimics the appearance of a wild animal's claws spreading apart. According to the Rectification of the Six Writings (Liushu Zhenge), it was originally a pictograph of a wild animal's claws, but was later borrowed to represent the meaning of distinguishing or differentiating. All characters such as those for examine, release, all, or turn adopt this as a radical.