Wu Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Cave (xué) 窖 Kangxi strokes: 12 Page 865, Entry 31 Pronounced jiao (falling tone). An underground storage area. Book of Rites (Liji), Monthly Ordinances: Excavating pits and cellars. Commentary: A round excavation into the earth is called a dou, while a square one is called a jiao. Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Biographies of Money-makers: The Ren family in the Xuanqu region specialized in storing grain in cellars. Book of Han (Hanshu), Biography of Su Wu: Thereupon they imprisoned Su Wu and placed him in a large cellar. Commentary: This was likely a cellar originally intended for storing grain that was currently vacant. Also used as a variant for jiao. Commentary on the Rites of Zhou (Zhouli): Excavating the earth is called a jiao, which should be the same as a jiao. Also refers to deep, hidden schemes or intentions. Zhuangzi, Discussion on Making All Things Equal: Engaging in daily social intercourse, full of intricate calculations; some are hesitant, some are deep, and some are subtle. Commentary: Jiao signifies depth, or a cavernous nature. Excavating the earth to store grain is called a jiao, used here as a metaphor for a deep and complex mind. Also refers to a place name. Commentary on the Water Classic (Shuijing): The Zhang River flows east to the Nan-shu-jiao settlement in Wu'an County, where it converges with the Zhuo-zhang River. Also pronounced zao (falling tone). Same as the character for cooking stove.