How to Call Punctuation Marks in French
Introduction
When learning French, one of the first things you notice is that punctuation marks aren’t always called the same as in English. Knowing the French terms can help you read, write, and speak about texts more accurately. Here’s a handy guide to the most common punctuation marks and their French names.
Punctuation
1. Period (.) → Point
Used at the end of a sentence to show a full stop.
2. Comma (,) → Virgule
Marks a pause in a sentence or separates items in a list.
3. Question mark (?) → Point d’interrogation
Placed at the end of a question.
4. Exclamation mark (!) → Point d’exclamation
Used to express strong feelings, surprise, or emphasis.
5. Colon (:) → Deux-points
Separates two independent clauses or introduces a list or explanation.
6. Semicolon (;) → Point-virgule
Used to separate items in a complex list or closely related clauses.
7. Quotation marks (“ ”) → Guillemets (« »)
Used to show direct speech or quotations within text.
8. Hyphen (-) → Trait d’union
Joins two adjectives before a noun or connects compound words.
9. Brackets ( ) → Parenthèses
Add extra information without breaking the main sentence flow.
10. Ellipses (…) → Points de suspension
Indicate missing text, hesitation, or that an idea is left unfinished.
Summary Table of French Punctuation Names
| English | French Name | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Period (.) | Point | End of a sentence |
| Comma (,) | Virgule | Pause / separate items in a list |
| Question mark (?) | Point d’interrogation | End of a question |
| Exclamation mark (!) | Point d’exclamation | Express emotion or emphasis |
| Colon (:) | Deux-points | Separate clauses / introduce list or example |
| Semicolon (;) | Point-virgule | Separate items in a complex list |
| Quotation marks (“ ”) | Guillemets (« ») | Direct speech or quotation |
| Hyphen (-) | Trait d’union | Join adjectives or compound words |
| Brackets ( ) | Parenthèses | Add extra information |
| Ellipses (…) | Points de suspension | Missing text / unfinished thought |
Punctuation Guide
Final Thoughts
Learning these French terms is useful not only for reading and writing but also for discussing grammar, literature, and even texting with French speakers. With this guide, you’ll never get confused about French punctuation again!
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