˫

˫ (Modifier Letter Yang Departing Tone Mark, U+02EB) is a specialized character used in linguistic studies to denote the "Yang Departing Tone" in historical Chinese phonology, particularly when analyzing Middle Chinese and certain dialects. Visually, it appears as two short vertical lines connected at their base by a horizontal stroke, often positioned as a superscript. This mark provides crucial insight into a historical system where Chinese tones were classified into 'Yin' (upper) and 'Yang' (lower) registers, in addition to their 'Ping' (level), 'Shang' (rising), 'Qu' (departing), and 'Ru' (entering) qualities; the "Yang Departing Tone" refers specifically to the lower-register 'Qu' tone. Unlike modern Pinyin tone marks, this modifier letter is essential for scholars tracing the evolution of Chinese sounds, bridging ancient linguistic structures with contemporary understanding, and its script property in Unicode is Bopomofo, reflecting its use alongside various Chinese transcription systems.