悬

• Pinyin: xuán
• Hanzi breakdown: 悬 = 县 (hang, original form) + 心 (heart), combining physical hanging with emotional uncertainty

Meaning

To hang; to suspend. Also means unresolved, uncertain, or dangerous.

Multiple meanings: (1) physically hang or suspend (悬挂); (2) unresolved or pending (悬而未决); (3) colloquially means risky or uncertain (这事儿悬). Common compounds: 悬念 (suspense), 悬崖 (cliff), 悬殊 (disparity), 悬赏 (offer a reward). Very versatile in both formal and colloquial contexts.

Examples

1. 这场比赛的结果还悬着，谁都有可能赢。 The outcome of this match is still hanging; anyone could win.
2. 他把画悬在客厅最显眼的位置。 He hung the painting in the most prominent spot in the living room.
3. 就凭你这点准备，考试能不能过还真悬。 With your level of preparation, whether you can pass the exam is really uncertain.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, colloquial, descriptive

Tone: varies

Do Say

• 这事儿有点悬。(This matter is a bit uncertain/risky.)
• 把灯悬起来。(Hang up the lamp.)

Don't Say

• 我很悬 — 不用于形容人的状态，说'我很紧张'或'我没把握'，悬多形容事情或结果

Origin & History

Composed of 县 (original form meaning 'to hang') + 心 (heart). The heart radical was added to emphasize the feeling of anxiety or suspense.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal