Xu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Strength (lì) Page 142, Entry 05 As recorded in Tang Rhymes (Tangyun) and Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), the pronunciation of this character is xia (falling tone), sounding the same as the word for blind. Jade Chapters (Yupian) defines it as exerting oneself diligently. The Broad Rhymes (Guangyun) describes it as the sound represented by two characters occurring when one is working with great effort. Collected Rhymes (Jiyun) also mentions this sound, noting it as the noise made while applying physical strength. Additionally, Collected Rhymes (Jiyun) records another pronunciation as he (rising tone), sounding the same as the word for how or why. It means to be diligent.