Xu Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Leaf (yè) Entry: Xian Kangxi Stroke Count: 23 Page 1410, Entry 21 Ancient form. Pronounced xian (falling tone). Book of Erya, Explaining Ancient Words (Erya): Light. Also, to see. Book of Yu Pian: Bright, to behold, manifest. Book of Documents (Shangshu), Great Oath (Taishi): Heaven has a manifest way, its categories are indeed displayed. Commentary: It means Heaven has a bright way, and its principles are indeed clear. Also, to reach or become famous. Zuo Tradition (Zuo Zhuan), 25th Year of Duke Xi: This is to seek fame. Mencius: And yet there has never been a famous person to arrive. Sub-commentary: It means there has never been a wealthy and famous person who came to the house. Also, a surname. Comprehensive Customs (Fengsu Tong): Xian Fu, a high official of the Zhou dynasty. Also, pronounced xian (falling tone). To behold. Also, a personal name. Book of Rites (Liji), Tan Gong: Zi Xian delivered the message to Duke Mu. Explication of Texts: Xian is pronounced xian (falling tone). Also, rhyming as xian (level tone). Guo Pu, Praise of Joseon (Chaoxian Zan): Jizi avoided the Shang, arriving from Joseon. That which is good is what is celebrated; how could there be anything hidden or manifest? Analytical Dictionary of Characters (Shuowen): Xian refers to bright ornaments on the head. Composed of the radical for Leaf (yè) and the sound component xian (xiǎn). The common variant form is incorrect.