Zi Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Person (rén) Jian; Kangxi strokes: 15; Page 119, Entry 12 Ancient form. According to the Tang Rhyme (Tangyun), Collection Rhyme (Jiyun), Rhyme Compilation (Yunhui), and Orthodox Rhymes (Zhengyun), it is pronounced jian (rising tone). According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen), it means to restrict or economize. According to the Book of Rites (Liji), in the chapter Tangong, it states that if the nation is extravagant, one should lead by example through frugality, and if the nation is excessively frugal, one should lead by example through rituals. Also, in the Royal Regulations (Wangzhi), it states that during sacrifices, one should not be wasteful in a year of abundance, nor excessively frugal in a year of famine. According to the Zuo Commentary (Zuozhuan), under the twenty-fourth year of Duke Zhuang, it states that frugality is a virtue universally followed. It also refers to a scarcity or a poor harvest. It is also a surname. According to the Orthodox Rhymes (Zhengyun), it is pronounced jian (falling tone). The meaning is the same. It is also the same as the character for dangerous (xian). According to the Xunzi, in the chapter On the Enrichment of the State (Fuguo), it states that the common people are suspicious and their customs are dangerous. Note: Here, jian is read as xian.