Yin Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Stem (gān) Kangxi stroke count: 6 Page 340, Entry 03 Pronounced jian. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it means level. It resembles two stems constructed facing each other, level at the top. Also, according to the Extensive Rhymes (Guangyun), Qian is the name of a Qiang tribe. According to the History of the Former Han (Qian Hanshu), in the Biography of Zhao Chongguo, there is mention of the Xianling Qian. The commentary by Shigu states: The Qian are a separate branch of the Qiang people. The text states that the leader of the Qian tribe, Diaoku, was dispatched to proclaim the Emperor's grace, and the Qian tribesmen all understood the Emperor's edict. It further states: South of the Yellow River there are the Great Qian and the Small Qian; thus the Qiang tribe and the Qian tribe belong to different surnames and clans. Among the current Qiang surnames, there are those surnamed Qian, who are all descendants of the Qian tribe; when taken together, it became a surname. Also the name of a county. According to the Treatise on Geography in the History of the Former Han (Qian Hanshu), there was a Qian County in Tianshui Commandery. The commentary by Shigu states: Originally, after defeating the Qian Qiang people, their tribesmen were settled here, and it was named accordingly. Also, according to the Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), pronounced yan. The meaning is the same. Also, according to the Collected Rhymes (Jiyun) and the Rhyme Anthology (Yunhui), pronounced qian. According to the Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun), pronounced qian. The meaning is the same. Also a surname. According to the Investigation of Characters (Zhengzitong), there was a Song dynasty official who served as a transport commissioner in Sichuan named Qian Du.