Lõppmärgid

Lõppmärgid, often translated as "end marks" or "terminal punctuation," are punctuation marks used at the end of a sentence in Estonian. The primary lõppmärgid are the period (.), question mark (?), and exclamation mark (!). The choice of lõppmärk indicates the grammatical structure and intended intonation of the sentence. A period is used to signify a declarative statement or a command. A question mark is employed at the end of a direct question. An exclamation mark is used to express strong emotion, emphasis, or surprise, and can also be used for exclamatory commands. While these three are the most common, their usage follows standard grammatical conventions similar to many other languages. Proper use of lõppmärgid is essential for clear communication in written Estonian, ensuring that the reader understands the intended meaning and tone of each sentence. Their absence or incorrect placement can lead to ambiguity and misinterpretation.