U+21BC\leftharpoonup↼↼<mo>↼</mo>Semantic identity and intent
Characters to distinguish
- ⇒ — Implies
- ⇔ — If and Only If
- → — Right Arrow
Use ↼ in the right format
Meaning and usage
Represents the left harpoon up in mappings, implications, transformations, limits, or paired processes.
For Left Harpoon Up (↼), use this arrow only when its direction, head style, or negation is part of the mathematical meaning; define field-specific uses near the first occurrence.
Pronunciation: left harpoon up
Formula examples
↼ is used in a context where represents the left harpoon up in mappings, implications, transformations, limits, or paired processes.How to type Left Harpoon Up
- Windows
- Use Character Map or enter U+21BC in a Unicode-aware application.
- macOS
- Open Character Viewer with Control–Command–Space and search by the symbol name.
- Microsoft Word
- In an equation, type \leftharpoonup and press Space when Word supports the command.
- iPhone and iPad
- Copy and paste ↼, or use a math/LaTeX app. The standard iOS keyboard may not expose every mathematical symbol.
- Android
- Copy and paste ↼, or use a math keyboard or LaTeX editor. Keyboard layouts vary by device and app.
- Google Docs
- For plain text, paste ↼ or use Insert → Special characters. For structured math, use the equation editor and verify \leftharpoonup.
- Excel
- Paste ↼ into a cell or use Insert → Symbol when available. Ordinary cells preserve the character but do not interpret LaTeX commands.
Common mistakes
- Define the logical convention before using ↼; proof, programming, and Boolean-algebra sources may assign different precedence or direction.
- For plain text, copy ↼ as U+21BC; for structured equations, use \leftharpoonup in math mode. A look-alike glyph or image can break search, accessibility, or parsing when the intended character is Left Harpoon Up.
When to use ↼
- Use ↼ in plain text when a Unicode character is appropriate and the destination preserves U+21BC.
- Use \leftharpoonup in an equation editor when mathematical spacing or structure matters.
- Define the local meaning when Left Harpoon Up is used in arrows, logic with a field-specific convention.
Look-alikes and related characters
- ⇒ — Implies
- ⇔ — If and Only If
- → — Right Arrow
Font and compatibility notes
Glyph shape can vary by font. Verify the code point after copying, and prefer LaTeX or MathML for structured equations.
Continue the workflow
From Left Harpoon Up to a finished equation
- Copy the characterUse ↼ in plain text when Unicode is accepted.
- Choose a structured formatUse
\leftharpoonupfor LaTeX or the MathML snippet for accessible web equations. - Edit or convertOpen the value in the editor or converter without retyping it.
Review and source notes
Quality tier: specialist
Last reviewed: 2026-07-23
Review method: Catalog review of character identity and notation mappings.
Verified against: Unicode Standard, Unicode mathematical notation guidance, and established LaTeX/MathML syntax.
Reference sources
- The Unicode StandardUnicode Consortium — Character identity, encoding, names, and conformance.
- Unicode Character Code ChartsUnicode Consortium — Code points and official character charts.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Left Harpoon Up symbol mean?
Represents the left harpoon up in mappings, implications, transformations, limits, or paired processes.
What is the LaTeX command for ↼?
Use \leftharpoonup in a compatible math environment.
Can I copy ↼ as Unicode?
Yes. Use the copy button above to copy the Unicode character directly.