Kriipsude

Kriipsude is the Estonian term for dash-like punctuation marks, including the hyphen, en dash, and em dash, used in writing and typography. They serve several main roles: joining parts of words in compounds or with prefixes, indicating breaks in lines, and signaling punctuation with added emphasis or separation in sentences.

The hyphen, or kriips, is the shortest form. It is used to connect words in compound terms, to split a word at the end of a line, and in certain numeral or stylistic constructions. It typically has no spaces around it. The en dash, or en-kriips, is longer than the hyphen and denotes ranges—such as dates, numbers, or page spans—usually written without spaces on either side. The em dash, or pikk-kriips, is the longest dash and is used to indicate a pause, a break in thought, or a parenthetical insertion; spacing around it varies by style, with some conventions using spaces on both sides.

The minus sign is related but distinct, used in mathematical expressions and scientific notation. In Estonian typography, kriipsud are governed by standard orthographic and typographic rules and are taught as part of proper writing practice. Correct usage depends on context, word formation, and the applicable style guide, with conventions differing between formal publications and everyday text.