Chen Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Tree (mù) Character: Bridge Kangxi Stroke Count: 16 Page 553, Entry 01 Pronounced qiao According to the Explanation of Scripts (Shuowen Jiezi), it refers to a bridge over water. Formed from the character for tree with a phonetic indicator suggesting height and curvature. The term implies something that is arched and rises high. Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Annals of Qin: In the fiftieth year of King Zhao, the first bridge over the river was built. It also refers to ropes suspended to cross a gap, known as a suspended bridge. Commentary on the Water Classic (Shuijingzhu): In the territory of Jibin, suspended bridges are used for passage. It also refers to the horizontal beam of a tool. Book of Etiquette and Ceremonial (Yili), Wedding Rites for Scholars: A basket is placed on the bridge. Commentary: The bridge is used to support a basket. It also refers to the crossbar of a shadoof (irrigation device). Huainanzi, Teachings on the Art of Governance: The crossbar stands upright and motionless, allowing for control through lowering and lifting. It also denotes arrogance or looseness. Xunzi, On Honor and Disgrace: Those who are arrogant and loose are a misfortune to others. It also denotes perversity. Lüshi Chunqiu, On Separating Speech: To listen to words and not be able to understand them is no different from listening to perverse speech. It is also the name of a tree. Great Commentary on the Book of Documents (Shangshu Dazhuan): The bridge tree grows tall and upward, while the catalpa tree bends downward, which is used to illustrate the relationship between father and son. It is also a place name, Yangqiao, in the state of Lu according to the Spring and Autumn Annals (Chunqiu). It is also a surname. Genealogical Record (Tongpu): The Yellow Emperor was buried at Qiao Mountain; his descendants guarded the tomb and took it as their surname. Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Biographies of Money-makers: Qiao Yao acquired a thousand horses and twice as many cattle. Pronounced qiao Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Book of the River and Canals: Traveling through mountains using a bridge. Commentary: Here, bridge is an alternative form for a carriage with a straight shaft. Pronounced gao Describing a vigorous or rapid appearance. Zhuangzi, Zengyang: Desires and aversions, departures and approaches, arise abruptly from this. Pronounced jiao Book of Rites (Liji), Summary of Rules: Holding a mat as if it were a bridge balance. Commentary: The left side is low and the right side is high, like the beam of a bridge. Quqiao refers to a strong and healthy appearance. Yang Xiong, Hedong Rhapsody: A thousand chariots thunder in chaos, ten thousand cavalrymen appear strong and vigorous. Pronounced jiao Meaning same as above. Pronounced jiao Xunzi, Effectiveness of the Confucians: To falsely decorate one's nature and emotions. History of the Former Han Dynasty (Qianhan), Annals of Emperor Wu: Chen Tang falsely issued troops to behead Zhizhi. Pronounced jiao Used in personal names. In the Qin dynasty, there was a man named Shengqiao.