Wu Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Grain (hé) Kangxi Strokes: 14 Page 856, Entry 01 Pronounced cheng (level tone). To determine the weight of something. Shuowen Jiezi (Shuowen) defines it as weighing. At the spring equinox, grain sprouts grow; at the summer solstice, the shadow of the sun can be measured. Grain has beards. At the autumn equinox, the beards are set. Twelve beards correspond to one fen, and ten fen equal one cun. Its weight is based on twelve grains of millet being equal to one fen, and twelve fen equal to one zhu. Therefore, all standards of measurement originate from grain. Book of Rites (Liji), Yue Ling: When the work of silkworm rearing is completed, cocoons are sorted and silk is weighed to evaluate the results, which are then used to provide ceremonial garments for the worship of heaven, earth, and ancestors. Also, to proclaim or narrate. Book of Rites (Liji), Biao Ji: When a gentleman praises the good deeds of others, he bestows titles upon them. History of the Former Han Dynasty (Qian Hanshu), Biography of Jia Yi: Because he was able to recite the Book of Odes (Shijing) and the Book of Documents (Shangshu) and compose essays, he was acclaimed throughout the commandery. Also, to speak. Book of Rites (Liji), Tan Gong: When speaking, one does not avoid using personal names. Book of Rites (Liji), She Yi: To be fond of learning without weariness, and to be fond of ritual without change; even in old age, one can still recount the proper path without becoming confused. Also, to raise. Book of Documents (Shujing), Mu Shi: Raise your daggers. Commentary: The dagger is short, and a person holds it up by hand, which is why it is called cheng. Also, a name or title. Mencius, Ti Ci: Zi is the general term for a man. Also, a surname. History of the Former Han Dynasty (Qian Hanshu), Gongchen Biao: Marquis of Xinshan, Cheng Zhong. Pronounced cheng (falling tone). An instrument for weighing to determine weight. Commonly written as the variant form (cheng). See previous entry. Also, to measure or estimate. Book of Changes (Yijing), Qian Gua: The gentleman uses weighing to fairly distribute goods. Also, to accord with the appropriate state of things. Book of Changes (Yijing), Xi Ci: Being compliant and appropriate while remaining humble. Book of Rites (Liji), Li Qi: When ritual regulations differ, if one does not add or subtract, it is said that they are well-matched. Also, satisfied. Erya, Shi Gu: Cheng means good. Commentary: When things accord with a person's wishes, it is also called good. Also, equal. Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Dongguan Kaogongji: The height of the wheels, the width of the carriage box, and the length of the crossbar, if all three are identical, it is called three-cheng. Commentary: Cheng means equal or the same. Also, a complete set of clothing, both single and lined layers. Book of Rites (Liji), Sang Da Ji: A gown must have an outer garment; it cannot be worn alone. The upper garment must have a lower skirt, which is called one-cheng. Commentary: The pao gown is an undergarment worn close to the body and must have something covering it on the outside to constitute a complete set of clothes. Also, to correspond or befit. History of the Former Han Dynasty (Qian Hanshu), Biography of Kong Guang: Unable to repay (the imperial favor) in a befitting manner. Also, to borrow. History of the Former Han Dynasty (Qian Hanshu), Treatise on Food and Money: Those who have grain sell it at half price; those who have no grain must borrow it at double the interest. Commentary: Cheng means to incur debt. In current colloquial language, it is called borrowing money.