Chou Collection, Middle Volume. Radical: Scholar (shì). Kangxi stroke count: 12. Page 243, Entry 10.
Written in ancient form as a variant form (yī).
Pronounced xi (level tone). Pronounced xi (level tone). Pronounced yi (level tone).
The meaning is focused or singular. As stated in the Mencius (Mengzi): When one's intentions are focused, they influence the vital energy; when one's vital energy is focused, it influences the intentions. As stated in the Zuo Commentary (Zuozhuan), Year 20 of Duke Zhao: If the lute and zither play only one note, who could bear to listen to it?
It also carries the meaning of to unite or unify. As stated in the Book of Han (Hanshu), Biography of Dong Zhongshu: He possessed teachings that could unify thought, becoming the leader of the scholars. As stated in the Book of Han (Hanshu), Biography of Empress Dowager: Wang Mang had externally unified the speech of the court officials, causing them to praise his merits and virtues.
It also means sincere or pure. As stated in the Book of Rites (Liji), Black Robes (Ziyi): If those in high positions act with composure and consistency, using this to transform the people, then the character of the people will become pure and singular. As stated in the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), House of Chancellor Cao: The people were moved by his governance of non-interference, and thus their lives were peaceful and settled.
The Amplified Rhymes (Zengyun) defines it as blocked or obstructed. As stated in the Guanzi, Chapter on Circumstances (Xingshi pian): If ministers compete to collect taxes, the people become shortsighted and obstructed.
It is also equivalent to the number one. The Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Offices of Heaven (Tianguan) records: Scholars of the ducal rank are bestowed the rank of first order.
It is also a surname. There was a person named Yi Yuan during the Han dynasty, as recorded in the Collection of Seals (Yinsou).
There is also a three-character surname. During the Later Wei dynasty, there was the surname Yidoujuan.
The Categorized Compilation (Leibian) also notes the pronunciation as yin (level tone). It is interchangeable with the characters representing a dense, misty atmosphere (yin) and (yin).
