Chou Collection, Lower Volume
Radical: Woman (nǚ)
姣
Kangxi strokes: 9
Page 260, Entry 06
Ancient script. According to Broad Rhymes (Guangyun), Treasury of Rhymes (Yunhui), and Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun), the pronunciation is jiao (rising tone). According to Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), the pronunciation is jiao (rising tone). It means beautiful or charming. In the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Biography of Su Qin: There were storied buildings and carriages in front, and beautiful, charming women in the rear.
It is also used interchangeably with the character for crafty (jiao). In the History of the Later Han (Hou Hanshu), Biography of Liu Penzi: You are what one would call the clang of metal, the best among the commoners. It is also written in a variant form (jiao).
According to Broad Rhymes (Guangyun), the pronunciation is yao. According to Collected Rhymes (Jiyun) and Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun), the pronunciation is yao. It means lewd or seductive. In the Zuo Tradition (Zuo Zhuan), Ninth Year of Duke Xiang: Jiang said: To abandon one's position for illicit affairs cannot be called chaste. Alternatively, it is read as written.
According to Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), the pronunciation is xiao (falling tone). The meaning is the same. It is also a surname. It is used interchangeably with the characters for beautiful (jiao) and bewitching (yao).