You Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Shell (bèi) Buy Kangxi stroke count: 12 Page 1206, Entry 21 Tang Rhymes (Tangyun) and Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun) state pronunciation is mai (falling tone); Collected Rhymes (Jiyun) and Rhyme Collection (Yunhui) state pronunciation is mai (falling tone). Shuowen Jiezi states it is written as a variant form, meaning to trade or buy. Augmented Rhymes (Zengyun) states that selling goods to others is called sell, while taking in goods is called buy. Commentary on the Quick Reference (Jijiupian zhu) states that outgoing is called sell, and incoming is called buy. Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Heaven Officials, Small Prefect: Oversee buying and selling using contracts and tallies. History of the Former Han (Qianhan shu), Treatise on Food and Money: The common people buy and sell five grains, cloth, silk, and cotton goods. Also a surname. Genealogical Sketches (Shizulue): The Five Dynasties period figure Mai Shuwu.