lõppmärgi

Lõppmärk (end mark) is the term for punctuation marks that signal the end of a sentence in Estonian writing. The principal lõppmärgid are punkt (full stop), küsimärk (question mark), and hüüumärk (exclamation mark). They indicate sentence termination and help convey tone and intention.

Punkt is used to end declarative sentences and many abbreviations that conclude a statement. Küsimärk marks direct questions and is placed at the end of interrogative clauses. Hüüumärk marks strong emotion, commands, or emphatic statements, and it can be used to intensify exclamations or imperative sentences.

When a sentence ends with quotation marks or parentheses, the position of the lõppmärk follows standard rules: if the end mark belongs to the quoted material, it is placed inside the quotation marks; if it does not, it goes outside. The ellipsis (kolm punkti) signals an unfinished thought or a pause and may accompany a final end mark under style guides, but it is not itself a terminating mark.

In Estonian typography, the choice of lõppmärk affects readability and tone. Style guides specify consistent usage to ensure clarity across texts and align with common European punctuation practices.

Examples: See on näide. Kas see on õige? Ta ütles: "Tule tagasi!"