Yin Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Roof (bù) Entry: Yi Kangxi stroke count: 9 Page 285, Entry 05 Pronounced yi (rising tone). As defined in the Analytical Dictionary of Characters (Shuowen): To nurture. The northeast corner of a room, which is the place where food is stored. As defined in the Progressive Dictionary of Classical Terms (Erya): The northeast corner of a room is called yi. Li Xun says: The northeast corner is where the solar energy begins to sprout and nurture all things, which is why it is called yi. Yi means to nurture. It is also said that it is the place where sunlight enters. Mr. Sun says: The light cast by the sun from the side is called yiming (bright radiance).