viivemerkit

Viivemerkit, which translates to "hyphen marks" in Finnish, refers to a set of punctuation marks that are used to indicate a pause or a break in a sentence. While the term can broadly encompass various hyphen-like symbols, in common usage it often refers to the en dash and the em dash, though the simple hyphen is also included. These marks are distinct from the comma, semicolon, or period in their function and visual appearance.

The hyphen (-) is the shortest of these marks and is typically used to connect words or parts of words, such as in compound words (e.g., "well-being") or to indicate a range of numbers when used with a space on either side (e.g., "pages 5 - 10").

The en dash (–) is longer than the hyphen and is often used to indicate a range or connection between things, such as in time (e.g., "9:00 AM – 5:00 PM") or between places (e.g., "the Helsinki–Tallinn ferry"). It can also be used to connect items in a list where the items themselves contain commas.

The em dash (—) is the longest of the three and serves a more varied purpose, often to set off a clause or phrase for emphasis, to indicate an interruption in thought, or to replace parentheses. It creates a stronger break than an en dash.

Proper usage of viivemerkit can enhance clarity and flow in written Finnish, helping readers to understand the intended structure and meaning of a sentence. Their application is governed by the principles of Finnish punctuation, aiming for precision and readability.