What does the question mark indicate. Question mark

We all know that a question mark is placed at the end of a sentence and expresses a doubt or a question. But not everyone knows that this punctuation mark comes from two Latin letters"q" and "o" (these are the first and last letters of the Latin word "quæstio", which means "search" or "question" in translation).

Previously, such an abbreviation (qo) ended an interrogative sentence, and later it was replaced with a ligature in the form of a question mark. Initially, the letter "q" was written above the "o". Later, such writing turned into the modern style known to us.

In most languages, the question mark is only placed at the end of a sentence. But in Spanish question and exclamation marks ("¡!" and "¿?") are placed at the beginning and at the end of the sentence. In this case, the inverted sign is before the sentence, and the ordinary one is at the end. For example: "¿Cómo estás?" (Spanish).

The Spanish language has long used one question mark. Only after 1754, when the Royal Academy of Languages ​​published the second edition of Spelling, did questions begin and end interrogative sentences with question marks. The same goes for the exclamation mark.

This rule did not immediately find wide application. In the 19th century, there are still texts where there are no upside down question and exclamation marks at the beginning of sentences. But the syntax of the Spanish language is considered peculiar, and it is sometimes difficult to determine in which part of a complex phrase the interrogative part begins. Therefore, over time, in all texts they began to put two question and exclamation marks in sentences.

For a long time in Spanish, inverted signs were used only in long sentences in order to avoid their false interpretation. But in short and simple questions put only one question mark at the end of the sentence.

Modern Spanish is greatly influenced by English language. Today, this language is increasingly limited to only one question mark. This trend can be seen especially clearly on Internet forums.

As for the Russian language, here, until the end of the 15th century, all texts were written either without spaces between words, or were divided into inseparable segments. The point in Russian writing appeared in 1480, and the comma - in 1520. The semicolon came later and was used as a question mark. Even later, question and exclamation marks began to be used. Dash was first used in his texts by N. Karamzin, and by the end of the 18th century. this punctuation mark began to be used more actively.

Question mark inverted vertically and horizontally by 180

As a rule, in Russian it is hardly possible to meet an inverted question mark. But in Spanish this sign is important. It is used at the beginning of a sentence and serves as an addition to the main question mark, which, like in all other languages, is traditionally placed. Or it may not have anything to do with the main question mark at all, since intonation in Spanish can change. And the first few words in a sentence can be questioned. Also, an inverted question mark can be used not only at the beginning or end of sentences, but also in the middle of a sentence. Right before the question word.

Where is the inverted question mark used?

1. An inverted question mark is used in operating systems Microsoft Windows, since it is forbidden to use the traditional question mark there.
2. Inverted 180 degrees horizontally question mark (curl rotated in reverse side) is used in Arabic.
3. A vertically upside down question mark (i.e. dot above and hook below) is used in Greek and Church Slavonic.

Perhaps, and it would be possible to use the question mark in an inverted form and in our language as not an interrogative, but rather affirmative and meaning that this is the answer to a question. But! Why additional rules in Russian?

How to write an upside down question mark

Writing it in any file is as easy as shelling pears. Yes its not on the keyboard, but that's not a problem. There is a keystroke combination to write a character. You must press the ALT key and while holding it, dial the combination of numbers 0191. In this case, the language should be switched to English.

Punctuation mark (?) at the end (in some languages, e.g. Spanish, and at the beginning, reversed) interrogative sentence … Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

question mark- (Question mark) A punctuation mark expressing an interrogative intonation. It is placed at the end of a sentence, and in some languages ​​(for example, in Spanish) also at the beginning of a sentence inverted ... Font terminology

question mark- The graphic sign "?", used to indicate an interrogative sentence. Spanish has two question marks, one upside down at the beginning of a sentence and one at the end. Topics… … Technical Translator's Handbook

question mark- Cm … Synonym dictionary

Question mark

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Question mark (?)- ? Request "?" redirects here. See also other meanings. The question mark (?) is a punctuation mark, usually placed at the end of a sentence to express a question or doubt. It has been found in printed books since the 16th century, but for expression ... ... Wikipedia

question mark- a punctuation mark (?), placed at the end (in some languages, for example in Spanish, and at the beginning, inverted) of an interrogative sentence. * * * QUESTION MARK A QUESTION MARK, a punctuation mark (?), placed at the end (in some ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

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question mark- A punctuation mark that is placed: 1) at the end of an interrogative sentence. Won't you leave? Not? (Chekhov); 2) optional in interrogative sentences with homogeneous members after each homogeneous member in order to divide the question. Who are you ... ... Vocabulary linguistic terms

Books

• Attack of viruses, Igor Budkov. Inhabitants virtual world- letters, signs, numbers are monitored daily from the monitor screen for the real world. Adults work on the monitor, children study at school. The question mark is in...

Anyone who is familiar with ancient Russian writings knows that they were created by a continuous “ligature” of words without intervals, especially since they did not have any punctuation marks. Only by the end of the 15th century did a period appear in the texts, at the beginning of the next century a comma joined it, and even later a question mark “registered” on the pages of the manuscripts. It is noteworthy that up to this point, his role was played by a semicolon for some time. Following the interrogative was not slow to appear and

The symbol originates in latin word quaestio, which translates as "search for an answer." To depict the sign, the letters q and o were used, which were first depicted on the letter one above the other. Over time, the graphic appearance of the sign took the form of an elegant curl with a dot at the bottom.

What does the question mark mean

The Russian linguist Fyodor Buslaev argued that punctuation (the science of o) has two tasks - to help a person express his thoughts clearly, separating sentences, as well as its parts from each other, and to express emotions. Among others, a question mark serves these purposes.

Of course, the very first thing this symbol means is a question. In it is expressed by the appropriate intonation, which is called interrogative. It can also mean confusion or doubt. Sentences with a question mark sometimes express what is called a rhetorical question. It is asked not for the purpose of asking, but in order to express admiration, indignation and similar strong feelings, as well as to encourage the listener, reader to comprehend this or that event. Answer to rhetorical question given by the author himself. In company with exclamation point interrogative conveys the meaning of extreme surprise.

Where to put it if you need to express a question

Where does a sentence in Russian put a question mark? The symbol is usually located at the end of the sentence, but not only. Let's consider each case in more detail.

• The question mark is at the end of a simple sentence expressing a question. ( for example: What are you looking for here? Why does water turn to ice?
• The question mark is placed inside the interrogative sentence when listing homogeneous members. (for example: What do you cook - soup? roast? turkey?)
• In compound sentences, this sign is placed at the end even if all its parts contain a question, even if only the last part of the sentence contains it. ( for example: 1. How long do I have to wait for the call, or will my turn come soon? 2. He sincerely laughed, and who would remain indifferent to such a joke?)
• A question mark is placed at the end:
  1. When the question contains both the main and the subordinate clause. ( for example: Do you know what surprises happen on campaigns?)
  2. When it is contained only in the main sentence. ( for example: Don't we also want peace?)
  3. If the question is enclosed in subordinate clause. (for example: Various bold thoughts overcame his inflamed mind, although could this help his sister in any way?)
• AT unionless proposal put a question mark at the end:
  1. If the question contains all of its parts. ( for example: Where should I go, where should I seek shelter, who will give me a friendly hand?)
  2. If the question contains only the last part of it. ( for example: Be honest with me: how long do I have left to live?)

Where to put a question mark if you need to express doubt

When indicating doubt, suspicion, reflection, a question mark is placed in the middle of the sentence and enclosed in brackets: Some people in robes, prisoners or workers (?) Came and sat around the fire.

When a question mark can be omitted

In a complex sentence in which the subordinate clause sounds like a question mark, it is not put. ( for example: I didn't tell him why I didn't read this book.) indirect question can be crowned with this sign. ( Example: I can't figure out how to solve this problem? They were persistently interested in how I became a millionaire?)

Figurative meaning

Sometimes the interrogative symbol is mentioned in a speech with an allegorical purpose, wanting to express something mysterious, incomprehensible, hidden. In this case, the phrase "question mark" sounds like a metaphor. ( for example: Those events forever remained for me an unexplained mystery, a question mark, some kind of bright but confusing dream.)

Question mark somersaults

There are languages ​​in which this symbol becomes "upside down". For example, in Greek and Old Church Slavonic (used Orthodox Church) languages, it is written with a hook down, a dot up. In Spanish, the sign at the end of an interrogative sentence is complemented by its inverted "twin". Curl turned the other way, it adorns Arabic texts. The question mark turned upside down and the programming language.