Zi Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Person (rén) Ni (rising tone) Kangxi Strokes: 16 Page 120, Entry 05 According to the Extensive Rhymes (Guangyun) and the Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), pronounced yi (rising tone); according to the Rhyme Compendium (Yunhui), pronounced yi (rising tone); according to the Orthodox Rhymes (Zhengyun), pronounced yi (rising tone). The character is read as the rising tone of yi. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen), it means to act in a presumptuous or overstepping manner. Another interpretation suggests it refers to mutual suspicion. It also refers to making a comparison. It is interchangeable with the character ni. According to the Book of Rites (Liji): When making comparisons to others, one must rely on their same kind. It is also interchangeable with the character yi. According to the History of the Former Han (Qianhanshu): Those in distant lands who dared to presumptuously compare themselves to others all rose up to contend. The commentary notes that yi here is read as ni. According to the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji): Suspected of being a king. According to the Xunzi: There is nothing to compare with. The commentary notes that ni is read as yi. It is also interchangeable with the character ni. According to the Book of Odes (Shijing): Millet and panicled millet are lush and abundant. The History of the Former Han (Qianhanshu) writes this as ni ni when quoting the Book of Odes (Shijing). According to the Orthodox Rhymes (Zhengyun), pronounced yi (departing tone). The term yi ni refers to a stubborn and sluggish appearance. According to the Extensive Rhymes (Guangyun) and the Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), pronounced hai (departing tone). The term tai ni refers to a dull or foolish appearance.