How to Write 吊 (diào) — Meaning “To hang or to condole”

Imagine a person hanging upside down from a hook, with their mouth open wide (口) in surprise or to call for help. The shape of the character looks like a figure with a rope above and a small mouth below. This vivid image ties the form to the meaning of 'to hang'.

Start with the top horizontal stroke, then the vertical hook on the left, and the vertical on the right, forming a box-like frame. Inside, write the mouth (口) as a small square, but make sure it is centered and not too large. A common mistake is making the mouth too big or touching the top frame, which ruins the balance.

吊 has a tall, narrow frame with an open top (like a hook), while 卟 has a mouth on the left and a small '卜' on the right, and 古 has a '十' above a mouth. Unlike 卟 and 古, 吊's top part is a single stroke that curves, not a cross or a separate radical. Pay attention to the enclosing structure: 吊 is like a hanging picture, while the others are compact.

吊 appears in everyday words like 吊灯 (chandelier) and 吊桥 (suspension bridge) for things that hang or are suspended. It is also used in formal contexts like 吊销 (to revoke a license) and 吊唁 (to offer condolences at a funeral). Culturally, the condolence meaning is important—visiting a family in mourning is called 吊丧, showing respect through presence.

Common words containing 吊 include: 吊灯 (diào dēng) — Chandelier or pendant light; 吊桥 (diào qiáo) — Suspension bridge; 吊销 (diào xiāo) — To revoke or cancel (a license).