What is this ᥫ ᭡?

What Is the ᥫ᭡ Symbol? A Tiny Design Detail With Character

You've probably seen it somewhere—a delicate little heart that doesn't look quite like the usual ❤️. It’s subtle, almost minimalist: ᥫ᭡. At first glance, it might seem like a typo or a random string of symbols, but it’s actually a clever little design choice.

This unique heart is made by combining two characters from lesser-known writing systems: ᥫ, which comes from the Tai Tham script used by languages in parts of Southeast Asia like Northern Thai and Lü, and ᭡, from the Buginese script traditionally used for the Bugis language in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Neither character was originally meant to be a heart—put together, though, they form a visual that’s been embraced in digital spaces as a fresh, understated alternative to the classic red heart.

In UI design, where standing out often means being just a little different, ᥫ᭡ has carved out a niche. It’s used in apps, social media bios, and digital art by people looking for something with a bit more personality. It’s not loud or flashy; it’s quiet, quirky, and just obscure enough to feel like an inside joke among design-savvy users.

What makes it appealing is its simplicity and rarity. Unlike the overused emojis, ᥫ᭡ carries a sense of intention. It’s not the default—it’s a choice. And in a world saturated with digital noise, that small distinction can say a lot.