Chou Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Mouth (kǒu) Zi Kangxi stroke count: 13 Page 203, Entry 18 Pronounced zi. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it expresses a sigh. According to the Expanded Dictionary of Sounds and Meanings (Guangyun), the compound term zi jie refers to the sound of sorrow. Furthermore, in the Collected Dictionary of Sounds (Jiyun), it refers to the sound of laughing. Another definition is that it refers to someone crying without stopping.