Xu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Metal (jīn) Sui Kangxi strokes: 22 Page 1325, Entry 09 Pronounced xu. According to the Rhyme Dictionary (Guangyun) and the Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), it means the bolt or latch of a lock. Sometimes written in a variant form. Also, pronounced ru. Metal or iron that has been melted and is capable of flowing. Commonly written as the character meaning to moisten. Also, pronounced rou. Equivalent to the character meaning soft or supple. Refers to soft iron.