Definitions

xuán (verb) to hang; to suspend
xuán (verb) to worry; to be anxious
xuán (adjective) unresolved; uncertain

Etymology

Pride   in one's country , expressed by a flag;  also provides the pronunciation

About

The character "悬", originating from its traditional form "懸", is etymologically grounded in the concept of hanging, with its earliest applications referring to the physical act of suspension. Its traditional structure integrates the component "縣", which historically conveyed the idea of hanging, and the heart radical "心", a combination that gradually encouraged the adoption of abstract meanings related to mental states such as anxiety or suspense. Over time, the semantic scope of the character expanded beyond mere physical elevation to encompass a range of figurative uses, including matters that are pending, uncertain, or mentally preoccupying, thereby reflecting a transition from concrete action to abstract conception within its linguistic function.

Etymology Hide

Clerical etymology image
Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

问题还没有解决。

Wèntí hái méiyǒu jiějué.

The problem has not been resolved yet.

那盏灯挂在天花板上。

Nà zhǎn dēng xuánguà zài tiānhuābǎn shàng.

That lamp is hanging from the ceiling.

这部电影充满了念。

Zhè bù diànyǐng chōngmǎn le xuánniàn.

This movie is full of suspense.

崖边上长着一棵松树。

Xuányá biān shàng zhǎng zhe yī kē sōngshù.

A pine tree grows on the edge of the cliff.

他的命运仍然而未决。

Tā de mìngyùn réngrán xuán ér wèi jué.

His fate still hangs in the balance.

这个案件至今仍是一桩案。

Zhège ànjiàn zhìjīn réng shì yī zhuāng xuán'àn.

This case remains an unsolved mystery to this day.

他的观点缺乏证据,显得很乎。

Tā de guāndiǎn quēfá zhèngjù, xiǎnde hěn xuánhu.

His viewpoint lacks evidence and seems quite dubious.

两国之间的谈判目前处于置状态。

Liǎng guó zhī jiān de tánpàn mùqián chǔyú xuánzhì zhuàngtài.

The negotiations between the two countries are currently in suspension.