Xu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Metal (jīn) Jian Kangxi strokes: 16 Page 1308, Entry 31 Pronounced jian (falling tone). Shuowen Jiezi (Explanation of Simple and Compound Characters): Hard. Jiyun (General Rhymes): Hard iron. Also pronounced jian (level tone). Meaning is the same. Liushu Gu (Origins of the Six Writings): To quench the blade of a sword or knife to make it hard. Yuanbao Jing (Classic of the Original Bundle): The wisdom of gathering and hardening. The commentary states: It refers to acting with uprightness.