Chou Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Earth (tǔ) Tan Kangxi strokes: 11 Page 230, Entry 41 Collected Rimes (Jiyun): Pronounced tan (falling tone). Lan-tan, the ground is flat and extended. Also, Zhengzitong (Proper Character Comprehensive): Pronounced tan (level tone). A type of earthenware vessel. Commonly written in the variant form tan.