You Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Speech (yán) Kangxi Strokes: 14 Page 1163, Entry 08 Pronounced yu (rising tone). Shuowen Jiezi (Explanation of Graphs and Analysis of Characters) states it means to discuss. Xu states that to debate and question one another is called yu. Yu means to intercross. It refers to the intersection of speech. When I speak, it is called yu. The character I is a grammatical particle. Yan refers to a direct statement, while yu refers to a mutual response. Shiming (Explication of Names) states it means to narrate. It is the narration of what one wishes to say. Book of Changes (Yijing), Hexagram Yi: The superior person is cautious in speech and temperate in eating and drinking. Book of Odes (Shijing), Greater Odes: Conversing there, discussing there. Shu (Subcommentary) states: A direct statement is called yan, referring to one person speaking alone. A response to a question or debate is called yu, referring to two people conversing with one another. Book of Rites (Liji), Miscellaneous Records: During the three-year mourning period, one may speak for oneself but may not engage in conversation with others. Annotation: Yan is to speak of one's own affairs. Yu is to discuss matters for the sake of others. School Sayings of Confucius (Kongzi Jiayu): Confucius was traveling to the state of Tan when he met Chengzi on the road; the two stopped their carriages and conversed for the entire day. Also refers to a state name. Biegui Dongmingji (Record of Extraordinary Matters in Other States): The people of the Lebi state are three inches tall and have wings; they are skilled at speaking and joking, which is why it is called the Shanyu (Skilled Speech) state. Pronounced yu (departing tone). Guangyun states it means to inform. Zengyun (Augmented Rhymes) states it is to use words to tell someone something. Zuo Tradition (Zuo Zhuan), First Year of Duke Yin: Duke Zhuang informed him of the reasons. Analects (Lunyu): Sit down, and I shall tell you. Also refers to instruction or admonition. Discourses of Lu (Luyu): The ruler also had words of admonition for Jisun Fei. Also refers to a place name. History of the Former Han (Qian Hanshu), Biography of the King of Minyue: Yuan Zhonggu of Qiantang beheaded the Northern General and was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Yu'er. Meng Kang's annotation: Yu'er is a place name within the borders of the Yue state. It is the current Wu Nanting. Shigu states: Sometimes written in a variant form (yù).