Si Collection, Middle Volume, Radical: Claw (zhǎo) Entry: 争 Kangxi Strokes: 8 Page 688 Archaic text: Pronounced zēng (level tone) in Tang Yun. Pronounced zēng (level tone) in Jiyun. Meaning "to pull" in Shuowen. Xu Xuan explains: pronounced yè (falling tone). Two hands pulling, which is the way of contention. Meaning "to compete" in Guangyun. "Book of Documents (Shu Jing), Great Yu's Counsel": You are not arrogant, and no one in the world can contend with you in ability. You are not boastful, and no one in the world can contend with you for merit. Also means "to advise" in Yujian. Also means "to litigate" in Yujian. Meaning "to reason" or "to distinguish" in Zengyun. "Book of Rites (Liji), Qu Li": Disputes, arguments, and litigation cannot be decided without propriety. Also a surname. Zhengshitong notes: In Yin Sou, there is a character "争不识", which is the same as "争". Also pronounced zēng (departing tone) in Jiyun, with the same meaning. Also, "争" is written as "诤" in Guangyun, meaning "to advise" and "to stop". "Classic of Filial Piety (Xiaojing), Chapter on Advising": The Son of Heaven has seven ministers who advise him. In Yunhui, it is commonly written as "争", which is incorrect. Verification: "Book of Rites (Liji), Qu Li": Without propriety, it cannot be decided. Corrected from "Without reason" according to the original text.