Chou Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Mouth (kǒu) Character: tan Kangxi Stroke Count: 14 Page 204, Entry 29 Tang Rhymes (Tangyun), Collection of Rhymes (Jiyun), Compendium of Rhymes (Yunhui), and Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun) define this as pronounced tan (third tone). According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen), it refers to the quality of a sound. In the Book of Odes (Shijing), within the Odes of Zhou (Zhousong), it says: The delivery of the food was abundant. The commentary states: tan describes an appearance of great numbers.