Xu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Metal (jīn) Kai Kangxi strokes: 17 Page 1313, Entry 06 Pronounced kai. According to the Analytical Dictionary of Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), in the region of Jiujiang, iron is referred to as kai. Xu states this refers to fine iron. Another source states it refers to the purest, white variety of iron. From the Ode to the Capital of Wu (Wudu Fu) by Zuo Si: The boundaries of copper and kai. The commentary notes that kai is a metal. According to the Guangya, it also refers to kai. The phonetic explanation notes that kai is pronounced kai, and also pronounced gong xie. It is also used in personal names. In the Zuo Tradition (Zuozhuan), Fourth Year of Duke Ai: Kai of Wen arrived late. The commentary notes that Kai was an official of the State of Cai. The Explanation of Sounds (Shiven) notes that Kai is pronounced kai, and also pronounced jie. It is also pronounced ke hai. According to the Chronological Table of Meritorious Officials in the History of the Former Han (Qianhan Gongchen Nianbiao), there was the Marquis of Gao, Kai. According to the Expanded Rhymes (Guangyun), it is pronounced gu xie; according to the Collection of Rhymes (Jiyun), it is pronounced ju xie, pronounced jie. According to the Collection of Rhymes, it is pronounced xiong jie, pronounced xie; the meaning is the same. According to the Collection of Rhymes, it is pronounced gu hai, pronounced jie. According to the Regionalisms (Fangyan) by Yang Xiong, it means hard. From the mountain passes westward, throughout the regions of Qin and Jin, it is referred to as kai.