You Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Carriage (chē) Yao Kangxi Strokes: 12 Page 1242, Entry 16 Pronounced yao. In the Etymological Dictionary of Chinese Characters (Shuowen), it is a small carriage. In the Explanations of Names (Shiming), it says: Yao means distant. It is a carriage from which one can look out into the distance in all four directions. In the History of the Former Han Dynasty (Qian Hanshu), Annals of Emperor Ping: Summon those throughout the empire who understand the lost classics and ancient records; the local authorities shall provide them with carriages, issue a single government-authorized carriage, and send them to the capital. Commentary: This refers to a small carriage pulled by one horse, used for official travel. Also pronounced shao. Also pronounced diao. The meaning is the same. Sometimes written in a variant form.