Hai Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Mortar (qí) Kangxi Strokes: 23 Page 1532, Entry 07 Pronounced ji. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it refers to chopped food. It also refers to minced meat or vegetables prepared with vinegar or sauce. According to the commentary on the Office of the Salt-maker in the Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), any food finely chopped and mixed with vinegar and sauce is called ji. Another source states it refers to the product of pounding pungent substances, such as ginger or garlic. It also means to crumble, to mix, to disturb, or to control. It is also written in a variant form.