Xu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Metal (jīn) Character: Tan Kangxi Strokes: 16 Page 1310, Entry 01 Pronounced tan. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it refers to a long spear. According to the Regional Speech (Fangyan) by Yang Xiong, a tan is called a pi. Also, according to the Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), pronounced tan. Also pronounced jian. The meaning is the same. Also, according to the Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), same as xian. It means sharp. According to the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Biography of Qin Shi Huang: It is not as sharp as the hooked halberd or the long pike. Note: Tan is sometimes written in a variant form (xian). Also, according to the Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), the Rhyme Collection (Yunhui), and the Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun), pronounced yan. It refers to a sharp blade. According to the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Biography of Su Qin: Sharp spears and daggers were in the rear. Note: Tan is also pronounced yan.