Otazník

Otazník, also known as question mark, is a punctuation mark used to indicate a direct question. Its primary function is to signal the end of an interrogative sentence. The shape of the question mark, a curve followed by a dot, is thought to have evolved from the Latin word "quaestio," meaning "question," which was abbreviated as "qo." Over time, this abbreviation was stylized into the mark we recognize today.

The question mark is employed across numerous languages that use the Latin alphabet, although its placement and usage can vary slightly. In some languages, like Spanish, an inverted question mark (¿) is used at the beginning of a sentence to also indicate interrogation, providing an earlier cue for the reader. This helps in understanding the sentence's intent from the outset.

Beyond its grammatical role, the question mark can also be used in informal writing or notes to denote uncertainty or doubt about a piece of information. For example, a date might be written as "1888?" to indicate that the exact year is not confirmed. In certain contexts, it can also be used stylistically to create intrigue or emphasize a point. Despite its simple appearance, the question mark plays a crucial role in communication by clearly distinguishing questions from statements and conveying the intent of the writer.