Chen Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Lack (qiàn) Kangxi strokes: 10 Page 567, Entry 19 Pronounced kai (falling tone). Shuowen Jiezi (Explaining Single-component Characters and Analyzing Compound Characters): To have obstructed breathing. Yupian (Jade Chapters): To catch one's breath upward. Leipian (Classified Chapters): Commonly referred to today as a cough. Book of Rites (Liji), Monthly Ordinances (Yueling): In the final month of summer, if the government policies of spring are implemented, then grain will ripen prematurely and fall, and the state will suffer from many cases of wind-induced coughs. Commentary: This refers to cough-related illnesses caused by the wind. Also, to shout loudly is called kuang-kai. Book of Rites (Liji), Summary of the Rules of Propriety (Quli): When on a carriage, one should not engage in loud coughing. Sub-commentary: Kuang means grand or loud. Kai refers to the sound of a cough. To cough loudly while in a high position appears boastful and also startles others. Also, qing-kai refers to speaking and laughing. Liezi (Master Lie), Yellow Emperor Chapter: King Kang of Song stamped his feet, coughed, and spoke rapidly. Zhuangzi (Master Zhuang), Xu Wugui: How much more so for brothers and relatives who cough and laugh at one's side. Commentary: Pronounced ai (falling tone). Also, pronounced qi (falling tone). Same meaning. Also, pronounced ai (falling tone). Same as the character for sighing (yi). Shuowen Jiezi: The sound of breathing after a full meal. Often written interchangeably with the character for belching (ai).