You Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Foot (zú) Character: Ji Kangxi Stroke Count: 17 Page 1231, Entry 26 Pronounced ji According to the Shuowen Jiezi (Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters), it means to take small steps. As stated in the Book of Odes (Shijing), Small Odes: One says the earth is thick, and one dares not walk without small steps. The commentary states: Ji means to tread carefully with feet placed close together. In the Five Classics Characters (Wujing Wenzi), it is noted that in the classics it is transmitted as ji.