You Collection, Middle Volume
Radical: Cowrie (bèi)
Kangxi Strokes: 10
Page 1205, Entry 03
Pronounced yi. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it refers to ordering items in layers. Xu remarked that objects arranged in slanted rows are called yi, and objects layered one upon another are called yi. According to the Extensive Refinements (Guangya), it means to increase. According to the Jade Chapters (Yupian), it means to bestow. In the History of the Former Han (Qian Hanshu), Annals of Emperor Wu, it is written: there is no place to circulate and bestow. The commentary notes that among the common people, one layer is still called one yi. It also means to extend. In the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Biography of Sima Xiangru, it is written: extending to the hills. The commentary notes that yi is like extending. It is also pronounced yi (falling-rising tone). It is also pronounced shi (falling-rising tone). The meaning is the same. It is also pronounced yi. It means to move.