Mao Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Hand (shǒu) Entry: ya Kangxi Stroke Count: 12 Page 438, Entry 01 Collected Rimes (Jiyun): Pronounced ya. The pronunciation is the same as the character for mute. The meaning of ya is to shake. Reference of Character Collections (Pianhai): The meaning is to take or grasp. Furthermore, it is pronounced e (rising tone). The tone is the same as the rising tone of the character for graceful. The meaning is the same. Compendium of Characters (Zihui): Pronounced ya. The sound is the same as the character for Asia. The meaning is to force something upon someone or to force someone to accept something.