According to "Tang Yun" (Tang Yun), the pronunciation is fei (falling tone). According to "Ji Yun" (Ji Yun), the pronunciation is fei (falling tone). The character is composed of "fei" (non) and "yi" (yi) which indicates the sound. "Shuowen Jiezi" (Shuowen Jiezi) explains it as meaning "to distinguish." Also, according to "Guang Yun" (Guang Yun), the pronunciation is fei (rising tone). According to "Ji Yun" (Ji Yun), the pronunciation is fei (rising tone). This refers to a type of bird, specifically the mountain owl. Also, "Leipian" (Leipian) explains it as meaning "to distinguish." Also, according to "Guang Yun" (Guang Yun), the pronunciation is bei (falling tone). This refers to a bird resembling an owl. "Ji Yun" (Ji Yun) records the character as written. Also, according to "Ji Yun" (Ji Yun), the pronunciation is pi (falling tone). The meaning is the same.