pomlkou

Pomlka, in instrumental form pomlkou, is a dash-like punctuation mark used in Czech typography. The term denotes a longer dash that serves to indicate a pause, an abrupt break in thought, or the omission of letters, syllables, or words within a text. The name is native to Czech, and in grammar discussions the dash is described as the pomlka.

Uses and functions. The pomlka is employed to create a break in dialogue or narrative, to separate clauses for emphasis, or to signal an unfinished thought. Historically, it was also used to censor or anonymize names by omitting letters, a function that has diminished in everyday writing but is still noted in discussions of older texts and stylistic variety. In contemporary Czech typography, the pomlka is functionally close to the em dash in English, providing a versatile tool for marking shifts in syntax or tone without closing the sentence.

Typographic aspects. In modern publishing and digital text, the pomlka is typically represented by the long dash character (em dash, U+2014). It is distinct from the hyphen (U+002D) and the en dash (U+2013). Spacing around the dash varies by style guide and publication, with some conventions placing spaces on both sides and others keeping the dash directly attached to adjacent words. The choice of spacing is guided by editorial standards rather than a fixed rule.

Examples. He paused, then continued — a pause that changed the mood of the scene. The name so familiar to readers was shown as J—, preserving anonymity.

See also. Czech punctuation, dash, em dash.