Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
弔diào(diao4)
The character 弔 (diào) primarily means 'to suspend' or 'to hang.' It is often used in the context of expressing condolences, particularly in funerals or memorials, signifying a sense of pity or mourning for the deceased. This character embodies a somber aspect of human emotion and interaction in the face of loss.
Strokes4Radical弓Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing condolences is a significant aspect of social etiquette, especially during funerals. The character 弔 is often seen in phrases and banners during mourning periods, reflecting the deep respect for the deceased.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sad figure hanging a black ribbon on a door to show mourning for a loved one who has passed away. The character's component '弓' (gōng) resembles a bow, which can symbolize the act of 'suspending' something, while the curved shape can remind you of the sorrowful arc of a bowed head in grief.
Meanings of 弔
diào(diao4)
1to suspend, to hang; to pity, to condole
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 弔
弔Simplified
4Strokes
弓Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 弔
Podcast: 弔
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 弔
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sad figure hanging a black ribbon on a door to show mourning for a loved one who has passed away. The character's component '弓' (gōng) resembles a bow, which can symbolize the act of 'suspending' something, while the curved shape can remind you of the sorrowful arc of a bowed head in grief.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is confusing 弔 with other similar characters like 挂 (guà), which means 'to hang' but in a more general sense. 弔 is more formal and often used in written condolences. Be mindful of the context, as it is rarely used in casual conversation.
HSK Study Tips
Since 弔 is not included in the HSK, learners should focus on understanding its usage in literary and formal contexts. Connecting it with related words like 哀悼 (āidào), which means 'to mourn,' can enhance vocabulary around themes of loss and condolence.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing condolences is a significant aspect of social etiquette, especially during funerals. The character 弔 is often seen in phrases and banners during mourning periods, reflecting the deep respect for the deceased.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 弔 in informal settings, where more casual expressions of sympathy should be used. For example, saying '我很弔你' (Wǒ hěn diào nǐ) is incorrect; a more appropriate phrase would be '我为你感到难过' (Wǒ wèi nǐ gǎndào nánguò), meaning 'I feel sad for you.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 弔
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 弔 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 弔 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 弔
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, expressing condolences is a significant aspect of social etiquette, especially during funerals. The character 弔 is often seen in phrases and banners during mourning periods, reflecting the deep respect for the deceased.
Word Family of 弔
Words Containing This Character20
吊diàoto lament弔
吊销diàoxiāoto revoke吊銷
上吊to hang oneself
吊死death by hanging
吊带suspenders吊帶
提心吊胆tíxīndiàodǎn(saying) to be very scared and on edge提心吊膽
吊车hoist吊車
吊灯hanging lamp吊燈
吊桥drawbridge吊橋
吊唁to condole
吊床hammock
吊装to construct by hoisting ready-built components into place吊裝
吊环rings (gymnastics)吊環
塔吊tower crane
凭吊to visit a place for the memories憑弔
吊袜带suspenders (for stockings)吊襪帶
吊扇a punka
半吊子dabbler
吊索rope tackle hanging from a mast
吊兰bracket plant吊蘭
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 吊 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 弔
You can say '我为他的去世感到很弔' (Wǒ wèi tā de qùshì gǎndào hěn diào), which means 'I feel very sorry for his passing.'
No, 弔 is generally reserved for formal contexts, especially related to mourning and condolences.
Synonyms include 哀悼 (āidào), which means 'to mourn,' and 吊唁 (diàoyàn), which means 'to offer condolences.'
