Definitions
(verb)
to hang; to suspend
(verb)
to mourn; to condole with
About
The character "吊" originally derived from a pictograph depicting a person with a bow, as seen in its traditional form "弔", which combines the components for a person (人) and a bow (弓). This structure reflected its early association with rituals for the dead, where a bow was possibly used as a ceremonial object or symbolized the drawing back of a soul, giving the character its core meaning of mourning or condoling. Over time, the semantic focus shifted from the specific ritual action to the abstract concept of lamentation and paying respects. The character later acquired the related but more physical meaning of suspending or hanging an object, likely through an associative extension where the idea of something being lifted or held up metaphorically connected to the solemnity of a memorial. This dual sense, encompassing both abstract condolence and concrete suspension, was eventually streamlined in its modern form, which altered the representation of the bow while retaining the essential concept of an elevated or noted action.
Example Sentences Hide
客厅里有一盏吊灯。
夏天我们使用吊扇。
他在树下挂了一个吊床。
这座吊桥看起来很高。
工人们用吊车搬运钢材。
很多人来吊唁这位逝者。
在比赛中，我们队吊打了对手。
为了安全，吊桥上的游客数量被严格控制。