pomlku

Pomlka is the Czech term for the dash-like punctuation mark used to indicate a pause, interruption, or omitted text in writing. It is longer than the spojovník (hyphen) and is used where a hyphen would be too short or inappropriate. The pomlka is a core element of Czech typography and has analogues in many languages as the em dash.

It can mark abrupt changes of thought, separate a parenthetical remark, or stand in for missing words. In dialogue, it can indicate interruption or trailing off; in narrative prose, it creates a deliberate pause. An example: Nepřijde — říká se — a nikdo to neví. Spacing and exact usage can vary by style guide, publication, and language tradition, but the essential function is to signal a strong break or shift in the sentence.

Forms and spacing: The long dash used in Czech typography is commonly called dlouhá pomlčka. Some style guides distinguish it from other dash-like marks and prescribe specific spacing rules; practices vary between publishers. In many Czech texts it is set with minimal or no spaces around it, while other editors use spaces to emphasize the break.

History and usage: The pomlka evolved with the history of Czech printing and has become a standard punctuation mark in modern Czech. It is employed to structure sentences, mark interruptions, and convey tone.

Digital representation: In Unicode, the em dash is encoded as U+2014; the en dash for other functions is U+2013. Modern word processors and fonts support pomlka-like punctuation, and input methods generally provide convenient ways to insert it for Czech text.