: Colon
Also called: double dot. A colon says "here comes something": a list, an explanation, or the time.
How to type :
Hold Shift with your left pinky, then press the ; key with your right pinky.
Meaning and fun facts
Clocks use a colon between hours and minutes (7:30). Two-dot faces like :) were some of the very first emoticons, typed in 1982.
Common uses
- Before a list
- Telling time: 3:15
- Ratios: 2:1
- Smiley faces :)
Fun example: Bring three things: a pencil, a book, and a smile.
Typing tip
A colon is a semicolon with Shift. Kids see it every day in clock times like 3:15, and in a list that starts after a sentence, like "Bring three things: a pen, paper and a snack."
: at a glance
| Keyboard (Windows, Mac, Chromebook) | Shift + ; |
|---|---|
| Phone or tablet | On an iPhone, tap the 123 key and it is right there. On Android (Gboard), tap ?123. |
| Windows Alt code | Alt + 58 (hold Alt, type the number on the number pad) |
| Unicode | U+003A |
| HTML code | : |
Quick practice drill
Type the examples below. The keyboard shows which finger and Shift key to use.
Want more? Practice this reach in Lesson 4: Add A and ;, or warm up with typing practice and Falling Words.
Related symbols
See all symbols in Keyboard Characters and Meanings.
FAQ
What is the : symbol called?
: is called the colon. It is also called double dot.
How do you type colon on a keyboard?
Hold Shift with your left pinky, then press the ; key with your right pinky.
What does : mean?
A colon says "here comes something": a list, an explanation, or the time.