Yes, Japan still uses periods. Although they may look different from English periods, their function is essentially the same.
Understanding the Japanese Period
The Japanese period, known formally as kuten (句点), which literally translates to "sentence point," and colloquially as maru (マル・丸), meaning "circle," is used at the end of a sentence to mark its completion. The maru gets its name due to its circular appearance. (23-Sept-2024)
Key Aspects of the Japanese Period
Here's a quick overview:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Formal Name | Kuten (句点) |
| Colloquial Name | Maru (マル・丸) |
| Function | Marks the end of a sentence. |
| Appearance | Circle |
Example Usage
While I can't type Japanese characters, imagine a sentence followed by a small circle: 。 This circle is the kuten/maru, the Japanese period.
Conclusion
The Japanese period serves the same purpose as the English period, signifying the end of a sentence. It’s just a different symbol used to achieve the same grammatical goal.
