Si Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Ox (niú) 牪 Kangxi stroke count: 8 Page 699, Entry 10 Jade Chapters (Yupian) pronunciation: yan (falling tone). Five Tone Collected Rhymes (Wuyin Jiyun) pronunciation: yan (falling tone), pronounced the same as yan (falling tone). Jade Chapters (Yupian) definition: Ox companion. Correct Writing Explained (Zhengzitong): The Six Writings System (Liushutong) records: this character is an ancient form of the character for friend. It cites the Book of Odes (Shijing): "Either in groups or as friends." Furthermore, the Supplementary Records (Beikao) state: this character is pronounced as friend; the character shape is found in bronze inscriptions. Note: birds and beasts being friends with one another is a borrowed meaning of the character for friend. Both of these interpretations are incorrect.