Hai Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Tooth (chǐ) Entry: ni Kangxi strokes: 23 Page 1534, Entry 38 Pronounced ni. According to the Shuo Wen Jie Zi (Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters), the teeth of an old person. According to the Erya (Approaching Elegance), the section on explaining ancient terms, yellow hair and ni-teeth denote longevity. Note: When teeth fall out, the new ones that grow are small. In ancient times, it was written simply as the character for child (ér). According to the Shi Ming (Explanations of Names), ni refers to when old teeth have all fallen out and new, small ones grow back, like the teeth of a small child. Also pronounced ér. The meaning is the same.