Chou Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Woman (nǚ) 姉 Kangxi stroke count: 8 Page 258, Entry 14 Broad Rhymes (Guangyun): Pronounced ji Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), Rhyme Meetings (Yunhui): Pronounced si Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun): Pronounced si This is the original form of the character for older sister. Approaching Etymologies (Erya), Explanation of Kinship: Men refer to women older than themselves as older sisters. Explanation of Names (Shiming): The character for older sister carries the meaning of accumulation, much like the sun, which becomes brighter the longer it rises. Book of Odes (Shijing), Odes of Bei: Thereupon with older sisters together. Additionally, in the Northern Qi dynasty, the crown prince referred to his biological mother as older sister. By the Song dynasty, the principal mother was addressed as grand older sister, a form of address also used by a wife toward her husband's principal mother. Empress Wei, mother of Emperor Gaozong of the Song, addressed Empress Zong as grand older sister. These accounts are found in the Biography of Empresses and Consorts. Textual research: Approaching Etymologies (Erya), Explanation of Kinship: Men refer to women older than themselves as older sisters. Note: In the original text, this has been corrected to read as older sister.