Si Collection, Upper Volume
Radical: Water (shuǐ)
Entry: 渊
Kangxi Stroke Count: 12
Page 632, Entry 01
Ancient form: 囦
Pronounced yuan
According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi): A swirling water current. Composed of the radical for water, it is a pictograph. The left and right sides represent banks, and the middle represents the appearance of water.
According to the Master Guan (Guanzi), in the chapter on Measuring the Earth (Dudi Pian): Water that gushes from the ground and does not flow away is called a yuan.
It also refers to depth.
According to the Book of Odes (Shijing), in the Odes of Wei (Weifeng): Maintaining a heart that is sincere and deep.
It also refers to the name of a pool.
According to the Commentary on the Water Classic (Shuijing Zhu): The Yi River flows eastward to form a deep pool.
Also, yuan-yuan describes the sound of drums.
According to the Book of Odes (Shijing), in the Lesser Odes of the Kingdom (Xiaoya): The sound of beating drums is yuan-yuan.
Also, a surname. The Genealogy (Shiben) records a senior official of the State of Qi named Yuan.
Also pronounced yuan (level tone)
It also means deep.