Mao Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Hand (shǒu) Entry: tan Kangxi strokes: 16 Page 455, Entry 08 According to the Tang Rhyme (Tangyun), Collection Rhyme (Jiyun), Rhyme Compilation (Yunhui), and Orthodox Rhymes (Zhengyun), pronounced tan (falling tone). As stated in the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen), to reach for and take. Also pronounced tan. Equivalent to the character meaning to explore or reach for. According to the Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Summer Offices (Xiaguan), the reaching official (tanren) is responsible for transmitting the will of the king, stating the political affairs of the state, and touring the feudal states of the world to inform them. According to the Commentary (Shu), one who recites the will of the king is like reaching into and taking the mind of the king. Also, according to the Tang Rhyme (Tangyun), pronounced yin. Also, according to the Collection Rhyme (Jiyun), the Rhyme Compilation (Yunhui), and the Orthodox Rhymes (Zhengyun), pronounced yi. Also, according to the Collection Rhyme (Jiyun), pronounced tan (falling tone). The meaning is the same. Also pronounced dan (rising tone), to press down. Also pronounced xun, to repair or manage. Also, according to the Tang version of the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen), to hold or take with both hands. Originally written as a different character.