Wu Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Eye (mù) Entry: Jian Kangxi stroke count: 17 Page 817, Entry 31 Pronounced xian. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen), it means to look upward. Xu says this refers to the eyes looking toward the sun. According to the Dialects (Fangyan) by Yang Xiong, it means to glance; in the Wu, Yang, Jiang, and Huai regions, it is sometimes called jian. Furthermore, according to the Extensive Dictionary of Sounds and Meanings (Guangyun), it refers to eyes with a large amount of white. Additionally, according to the commentary on the Er Ya explanation of livestock, a horse with one white eye is called jian. Zhang Xie in his Seven Arguments (Qi Ming) states, The swiftness of the heavenly steed, with black-shining jian eyes. The note explains that jian refers to horse eyes. The Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen) writes this as a different character. Also, according to the Sound and Meaning of the History of the Han (Hanshu Yinyi), jian refers to epilepsy in children. Also a surname. The Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Biography of Harsh Officials, mentions the Jian clan of Jinan. Pronounced xian (falling-rising tone). To look at. Also, to spy or observe. In the Mencius, it is written: The King sent someone to spy on the Master. In the History of the Song (Songshi), Biography of Prince Zhen Wang Hong, it is written: Prime Minister Shi Miyuan sent a beautiful woman to spy on Hong, so that his every movement and rest would be reported. According to the Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), this is identical to the character jian. According to the Correct Meaning Guide (Zhengzitong), it is interchangeable with the characters kan, kan, and lan.