Chou Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Mouth (kǒu) Character: xiao Kangxi stroke count: 15 Page 207, Entry 13 Pronounced xiao Shuowen Jiezi (Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters): To fear. Book of Odes (Shijing), Bin Wind section: I am only wailing in fear. Commentary: Xiao xiao means fear. Erya (Approaching Elegance), Interpretation of Teachings section: Also written as xiao (variant form).