According to the Tang Rhymes (Tangyun), the pronunciation is jian (falling tone). According to the Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), the pronunciation is jian (falling tone). It is pronounced the same as the character jian. The Jade Chapters (Yupian) defines it as difficulty or stuttering in speech. Sometimes also written in a variant form. The Broad Rhymes (Guangyun) states that this character refers to stuttering or stammering in speech. Additionally, the Collected Rhymes (Jiyun) defines it as meaning strength or power.