Zi Collection, Page Position: Lower
Radical: Strength (lì)
Character: quàn; Kangxi Strokes: 19; Page Number: 150, Entry 12
According to Tangyun (Tangyun), the pronunciation is qù yuàn qiè. According to Jiyun (Jiyun) and Yunhui (Yunhui), the pronunciation is qū yuàn qiè, similar to the sound quàn. Shuowen Jiezi (Shuowen) defines it as 'to exert oneself'. It is formed with the Strength (lì) radical and 'guàn' as the phonetic component. Guangyun (Guangyun) defines it as 'to encourage and urge, to assist, to teach'. As in the Book of Documents (Shujing), 'He encouraged them with the Nine Songs, so they would not degenerate.' Also, to follow willingly. As in the Analects (Lunyu), 'Raise up the good and teach them; if unable, then encourage.' Also, from the Strategies of the Warring States (Zhanguoce): 'The King of Jing was greatly pleased, and promised help very vigorously.' The commentary explains: 'Quàn here means 'strength' or 'force'.' Jiyun (Jiyun) notes that it is sometimes written as the variant form juàn.