; Semicolon
Also called: semi. A semicolon joins two complete sentences that are closely related. It is a stronger pause than a comma but softer than a period.
How to type ;
Press the ; key with your right pinky. No Shift needed.
Meaning and fun facts
The semicolon is a home row key! Your right pinky rests on it all the time. Many computer languages end each line of code with a semicolon.
Common uses
- Join two related sentences
- Split long lists that already have commas
- End lines of code in JavaScript, C and Java
Fun example: It rained all day; we played board games.
Typing tip
The semicolon is a home key: your right pinky already rests on it. That makes it one of the easiest symbols to type and a great way to check that both hands are on home row.
; at a glance
| Keyboard (Windows, Mac, Chromebook) | ; |
|---|---|
| Phone or tablet | On an iPhone, tap the 123 key and it is right there. On Android (Gboard), tap ?123. |
| Windows Alt code | Alt + 59 (hold Alt, type the number on the number pad) |
| Unicode | U+003B |
| 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 semicolon. It is also called semi.
How do you type semicolon on a keyboard?
Press the ; key with your right pinky. No Shift needed.
What does ; mean?
A semicolon joins two complete sentences that are closely related. It is a stronger pause than a comma but softer than a period.