Wei Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Obstacle (gèn) Kangxi stroke count: 6 Page 1013, Entry 22 Tang Rhymes (Tangyun), Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), Rhyme Compendium (Yunhui), Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun): Pronounced gen (falling tone). Explanation from Analytical Dictionary of Characters (Shuowen Jiezi): Gen means stubborn. The character shape is composed of the components for spoon (bi) and eye (mu). The combination of these components signifies two people staring at each other in anger, refusing to yield. The characters combined imply being obstinate, stubborn, and unwilling to move forward. It also refers to the name of a hexagram in the Book of Changes (Zhouyi). It means to stop or to restrict. Book of Changes (Zhouyi), Commentary on the Judgments: Gen means to stop. One should stop when it is time to stop, and move only when it is time to move. It also refers to something hard. Yangzi’s Dialects (Fangyan): Gen and the character for grindstone both mean hard. Note: Both words are names for types of stone. It also refers to difficulty. Yangzi’s Great Mystery (Taixuanjing): The hexagram image of Gen represents something being maintained or held fast. Note: Gen means difficulty. It is also a surname. During the Han dynasty, there was a man named Gendan who wrote a commentary for the Classic of Music (Yuejing). Collected Rhymes (Jiyun): Also pronounced hen. It shares the same meaning as the character for pull. The combined term refers to the act of pulling or dragging.