Wu Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Grain (hé) Kangxi Strokes: 12 Page 854, Entry 12 Pronounced shào. According to the Shuowen Jiezi (Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters), it means the gradual emergence of things. According to the Book of Etiquette and Ceremonial (Yili), regarding the reception of tributes, the commentary notes that it refers to provisions from the granary. The sub-commentary explains that because supplies are provided gradually, the granary itself is referred to by this term. Also means to equalize or small. According to the Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), in the section regarding the offices of the heavenly officials, it refers to minor official matters. The commentary by Zheng Xuan states that when one is not partaking in an official state banquet but receives meals sporadically, it is called a minor matter. Another theory suggests it refers to drinking wine during a minor occasion. Also means gradual. In the poem by Han Yu replying to Liu Zongyuan regarding the eating of toads, it is used to mean that one is gradually able to accept or tolerate something. According to the commentary on the Rites of Zhou regarding the official in charge of distant lands, the area three hundred li from the royal city is called the outlying district. The sub-commentary explains that this official manages these lands within the three-hundred-li radius. Also pronounced shāo. This also carries the meaning of gradual. Also pronounced shāo. Refers to taxation.