U+540A "吊" CJK Unified Ideograph-# Unicode Character
U+540A "吊" CJK Unified Ideograph-# is a Chinese character that primarily means to hang, suspend, or mourn, encompassing concepts of both physical suspension and ceremonial condolence. In its most literal sense, it describes the action of hanging something from a high place, such as a lamp or a decoration, but in a cultural context it often refers to expressing sympathy or offering condolences to a bereaved family, as in the word "吊唁." The character's form historically derives from a pictograph showing a man hanging upside down, though its modern usage has expanded to include terms like "吊桥" for a suspension bridge and "吊销" meaning to revoke or cancel a license. As a common component in compound words across Chinese, Japanese, and Korean scripts, this ideograph carries nuanced meanings that range from the concrete act of dangling to abstract ideas of loss or punishment.