Chen Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Tree (mù) Kangxi Strokes: 12 Page 537, Entry 04 Zī is an erroneous character. The character zī is derived from zuò. Pronounced zī (level tone). Commonly written as the variant zī. Erya: Interpretation of Trees (Erya: Shimu): A tree that stands upright and dies is called zī. Book of Odes (Shijing): Its zī and its yì. Commentary: It hinders the growth of other trees and becomes a scourge to them. Therefore it is called zī. Also pronounced zì (falling-rising tone). The meaning is the same. It is commonly written as the variant zī, which is incorrect. The character zī is derived from zuò.