Hai Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Dextral (qí) Kangxi Strokes: 23 Page 1532, Entry 04 Pronounced ji. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it refers to finely chopped pickled vegetables or relishes. It also refers to minced meat seasoned with vinegar. According to the commentary on the Office of the Heavens in the Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), any food that is chopped finely and seasoned with vinegar or sauce is called ji. Another interpretation suggests it is made by crushing pungent ingredients. Pungent ingredients refer to items such as ginger or garlic. It also carries the meanings of being finely ground, harmonized, jumbled, or restrained. It is also written in a variant form (ji).