Mao Collection, Upper Volume
Radical: Heart (xīn)
Kangxi Strokes: 12
Page 391, Entry 11
Tang Rhymes (Tangyun), Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), Dictionary of Rhymes (Yunhui), and Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun) all record the pronunciation as xi. According to Explanation of Graphs and Analysis of Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it means to feel pain or regret. The character is composed of the heart radical and the phonetic component for xi, which also provides the pronunciation. The Extensive Dictionary of Rhymes (Guangyun) defines it as to be stingy or grudging. The Supplementary Rhymes (Zengyun) defines it as to cherish or to love dearly. Another interpretation is to be greedy or covetous. It is also pronounced xue. In the Poem Presented to Ding Yi by Cao Zhi: Thinking of the master from Yanling, a precious sword is not something to be grudged. If you can calm your heart, you will not treat a close friend with cold indifference.