Tsitaatmärgi

Tsitaatmärgi, also known as quotation marks, are punctuation marks used to denote a word or phrase that has been quoted from another source, or to indicate speech or dialogue. They are most commonly found in pairs, with an opening and a closing mark. The specific form of these marks can vary across different languages and writing systems.

In Estonian, the standard quotation marks are angled, resembling guillemets: „ ... “. These are used to enclose direct speech, quotations, or terms being highlighted. For example, in a sentence like "Ta ütles: „Täna on ilus päev.“", the phrase "Täna on ilus päev" is a direct quote. Tsitaatmärgi can also be used to indicate the title of a book, article, or other work.

Alternative quotation marks, such as straight double quotation marks " ... " or single quotation marks ' ... ', may also be encountered, particularly in digital contexts or when quoting within a quote. The primary function remains consistent: to clearly demarcate borrowed text or specific emphasis. Understanding the correct usage of tsitaatmärgi is crucial for accurate and clear written communication, ensuring that readers can distinguish between original text and quoted material.