Xu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Metal (jīn) Xian Kangxi strokes: 14 Page 1305, Entry 11 Pronounced xian (level tone). Pronounced xian (level tone), same as xian. Explaining Script and Drawing (Shuowen Jiezi): A tool belonging to the spade category. Jade Chapters (Yupian): Means sharp. Jia Yi, On the Faults of Qin (Guo Qin Lun): Not sharper than hooked halberds and long spears. Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Annals of Qin Shi Huang: Written as xian. History of the Former Han (Qianhan), Biography of Jia Yi: Mo Ye precious swords are considered blunt, while lead knives are treated as sharp. Commentary by Jin Zhuo: The common people call sharpness xian. Broad Rhymes (Guangyun), Zuanwen: Iron tools with sharp points, attached to bamboo poles for throwing at fish, are called xian. Also used as a surname. Standard Character Mastery (Zhengzitong): During the Song Dynasty, there was a man named Xian Puweng who was skilled at writing poetry. Pronounced yan (falling tone), same as yan. A tool belonging to the spade category. Pronounced tian (rising tone), same as tian. Extensive Elegantia (Boya): A plowshare is called xian. Extensive Elegantia (Boya): Means to cut off. Sound Explanation (Yinshi): Xian is pronounced tian. Also pronounced xian. Yang Xiong, Dialect (Fangyan): Xian means to take. Commentary: Refers to picking something up. Pronounced tian.