Mao Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Hand (shǒu) Entry: Geng Kangxi stroke count: 13 Page 444, Entry 12 Pronounced geng (level tone). According to the Shuowen Jiezi, it means to pull tight. In the Huainanzi (Huainanzi), it states: If the large string is pulled too tight, the small string will break. Sometimes written in a simplified variant form. Also pronounced geng (falling tone). The meaning is the same. The character is derived from the radical for boat. Sometimes written as geng, which is incorrect.