Math symbol reference

South West Arrow

Points diagonally toward the lower left.

UnicodeU+2199
LaTeX\swarrow
HTML entity
HTML decimal↙
MathML<mo>↙</mo>

Semantic identity and intent

Semantic type

operator

An operator, relation, connective, or notation mark whose meaning depends on its operands and context.

Primary search task

understand the operation or relation, see a valid example, and copy the correct notation

Arrows

MathML token

<mo>

Use ↙ with the operand structure shown in the examples. Preserve grouping, limits, spacing, and evaluation order when converting between formats.

Characters to distinguish

  • ↖ — North West Arrow
  • ↘ — South East Arrow

Use ↙ in the right format

Meaning and usage

Points diagonally toward the lower left.

Use it in diagrams and directional annotations that move down and left.

Pronunciation: south west arrow

Formula examples

A\swarrow B

How to type South West Arrow

Windows
Use Character Map and search for South West Arrow, or paste the Unicode character (U+2199).
macOS
Open Character Viewer with Control–Command–Space and search for South West Arrow.
Microsoft Word
In an equation, type \swarrow and press Space when Word supports the command; otherwise insert the Unicode character.
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 \swarrow.
Excel
Paste ↙ into a cell or use Insert → Symbol when available. Ordinary cells preserve the character but do not interpret LaTeX commands.

Common mistakes

  • Preserve the direction, number of heads, and decoration of ↙; those visual details can distinguish implication, mapping, convergence, or movement.
  • For plain text, copy ↙ as U+2199; for structured equations, use \swarrow in math mode. A look-alike glyph or image can break search, accessibility, or parsing when the intended character is South West Arrow.

When to use ↙

  • Use ↙ in plain text when a Unicode character is appropriate and the destination preserves U+2199.
  • Use \swarrow in an equation editor when mathematical spacing or structure matters.
  • Define the local meaning when South West Arrow is used in arrows with a field-specific convention.

Look-alikes and related characters

  • ↖ — North West Arrow
  • ↘ — South East Arrow

Font and compatibility notes

Font coverage varies; verify the code point and destination rendering before publication.

Continue the workflow

From South West Arrow to a finished equation

  1. Copy the characterUse ↙ in plain text when Unicode is accepted.
  2. Choose a structured formatUse \swarrow for LaTeX or the MathML snippet for accessible web equations.
  3. Edit or convertOpen the value in the editor or converter without retyping it.

Review and source notes

Quality tier: catalog

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

Frequently asked questions

What does the South West Arrow symbol mean?

Points diagonally toward the lower left.

What is the LaTeX command for ↙?

Use \swarrow in a compatible math environment.

Can I copy ↙ as Unicode?

Yes. Use the copy button above to copy the Unicode character directly.

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