You Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Speech (yán) Kangxi brush strokes: 16 Page 1172, Entry 09 Ancient form. Pronounced yan (falling tone). According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it refers to transmitted speech. According to the Broad Rhymes (Guangyun), it refers to common speech. In the Book of Documents (Shujing), the chapter on No Idleness (Wuyi) states, He is idle and uses proverbs. The commentary notes, Proverbs are referred to as colloquialisms. The Commentary on the Zuo Tradition (Zuo Zhuan), first year of Duke Zhao, states, According to the proverb, the old general knows when he is approaching his dotage. Also interchangeable with the words for condolence and unrefined. The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons (Wenxin Diaolong) states, A proverb is direct speech. Funeral orations also do not reach the level of literary refinement, thus condolences are also termed proverbs. The New Treatise (Xinlun), chapter on Correct Rewards, states, Ziyou wore a lambskin coat and spoke bluntly, while Zeng Shen gestured and laughed. According to the Compilation of Correct Characters (Zhengzitong), generally the word is written with the variant form for condolence. In the classics, condolence is always written with the standard character for grief; it is unnecessary to borrow this term. The character in the New Treatise is an accidental error. Pronounced an (falling tone). According to the Classified Chapters (Leipian), this refers to self-conceit. According to the Expanded Rhymes (Zengyun), the term for defiant indicates being firm and fierce. According to the Collection of Rhymes (Yunhui), the term for rebellious indicates lack of respect. Sometimes written as the variant form. Citing the Annotations to the Analects (Lunyu Zhu), Zilu was excessive in his rebellious nature. The Correct Meaning (Zhengyi) states, The old annotation uses the variant form. It refers to improper speech. It means that Zilu’s nature and actions were firm and strong, and he was often boisterous and lacking in proper demeanor. Textual Research: In the Commentary on the Zuo Tradition, first year of Duke Zhao, the text reads: The proverb says the old general knows when he is approaching his dotage. Following the original text, changed approaching to knows.