Chou Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Earth (tǔ) Entry: Xian Kangxi Stroke Count: 10 Page 228, Entry 32 According to the Extensive Rhymes (Guangyun) and the Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), it is pronounced xian. The pronunciation is the same as the character for appear. It refers to plastering with mud. It also refers to a large slope. According to the Extensive Rhymes (Guangyun) and the Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), it is also pronounced jian. The pronunciation is the same as the character for cocoon. It refers to plastering.