Wei Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Feather (yǔ) Kangxi Strokes: 18 Page 959, Entry 31 Pronounced fan. According to the Analytical Dictionary of Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it refers to the act of flying or soaring. In the Western Capital Rhapsody (Xijing Fu) by Zhang Heng, it describes numerous birds fluttering and flying in the air. It also denotes the meaning of repeating or reversing. It is interchangeable with the character meaning a streamer (fan). It is also interchangeable with the character for reverse (fan). In the Supplement to the Rhymes (Yunbu), it is noted that when used in poetic rhyme, it may be pronounced in the way that rhymes with the character for yin (yīn). In a poem by Zheng Manji presented to Lu Yun, it describes mandarin ducks flying in pairs, fluttering and soaring. They rise and fall, calling to their companions and gathering in flocks to sing. In the Supplement to the Rhymes (Yunbu), it is also noted that when used in poetic rhyme, it may be pronounced in the way that rhymes with the character for yan (yān), such as when it rhymes with the character for a banner (zhan) in the Western Capital Rhapsody. According to the Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), it is sometimes written as a variant form. It may also be written as a variant form (pīn).