Wei Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Silk (mì) Kangxi Strokes: 17 Page 937, Entry 05 Pronounced yi. Pronounced yi. Pronounced yi. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen), it refers to the covering of a halberd. Another definition describes it as a blue-black color. According to the Extensive Rhymes (Guangyun), it is a red-black silk fabric. In the Book of Odes (Shijing), Beifeng, in the commentary on the passage beginning with self-imposed obstruction, it is noted that the character yi should be written as yi. Here, yi acts as a copula meaning is or this is. In the Zuo Tradition (Zuo Zhuan), first year of Duke Yin, it is written: You have a mother left behind, yet I alone am without one. The commentary notes that yi is a modal particle. Pronounced yi. It serves as an exclamation of sighing. Another definition describes it as a type of undergarment for children.