You Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Speech (yán) 誌 Kangxi strokes: 14 Page 376, Entry 02 Pronounced zhi. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it means to record. In the Biography of Chu Liang in the History of the Tang Dynasty (Tangshu), it is written: Once a map or history is seen, it is recorded in the mind. In the Biography of Wang Ci in the History of the Southern Qi Dynasty (Nanqishu), it refers to an official notice or bulletin board. In the Yang Zhu chapter of the Book of Master Lie (Liezi), it asks: The affairs of high antiquity have vanished, who can record them? In the Record of History chapter of the Book of Master Wen (Wenzhongzi), it states: To write an imperial decree is nearly akin to the classical canon. The commentary notes that this refers to a subordinate recording the virtues of a ruler. Also pronounced zhi (falling tone). The meaning is the same. It is also used in the sense of a shared intent. According to the Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun), all texts in historical records that narrate events are called zhi. In the Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Spring Officials section, it mentions that the Lesser Scribe manages the records of states. The commentary explains that these records are notes. In the History of the Han Dynasty (Hanshu), there are ten records (zhi), all of which are equivalent to this character. It is also written in a variant form (shí). In the Analects (Lunyu), it is written: Do you think I am one who learns much and remembers it? It is also used interchangeably with the character for a mole (zhì). In the Annals of Emperor Gaozu in the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), it states: On his left thigh were seventy-two black spots. The commentary by Shigu notes: In the Central Kingdom, these are commonly called moles, and in the regions of Wu and Chu, the folk term is zhi. Zhi means to record. In the Biography of Jiang Shi in the History of the Southern Qi Dynasty (Nanqishu), it is written: The High Ancestor had a red mole on his shoulder blade. Textual research: In the citation from the Analects (Lunyu), the original text uses the character for you (nǚ) instead of the variant.