~ Tilde
Also called: squiggle, twiddle, swung dash. The tilde is a wavy line that means "about" (~10 minutes) and sits on top of letters in Spanish, like ñ.
How to type ~
Hold Shift with your right pinky, then press the ` key with your left pinky.
Meaning and fun facts
The word tilde comes from Spanish. In Spanish, "año" (year) and "ano" are very different words, so the little wave matters!
Common uses
- About: ~5 minutes
- Spanish letters: ñ in "piñata"
- Computer home folders: ~/
Fun example: The trip takes ~20 minutes.
Typing tip
The tilde ~ is Shift + the backtick key in the top-left corner. In Spanish, the ñ in "niño" has a tilde on top, and ~ before a number can mean "about," like ~10.
~ at a glance
| Keyboard (Windows, Mac, Chromebook) | Shift + ` |
|---|---|
| Phone or tablet | On an iPhone, tap 123 and then #+= to see it. On Android (Gboard), tap ?123 and then =\< if it is not on the first page. |
| Windows Alt code | Alt + 126 (hold Alt, type the number on the number pad) |
| Unicode | U+007E |
| 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 25: Numbers 1 to 5, 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 tilde. It is also called squiggle, twiddle, swung dash.
How do you type tilde on a keyboard?
Hold Shift with your right pinky, then press the ` key with your left pinky.
What does ~ mean?
The tilde is a wavy line that means "about" (~10 minutes) and sits on top of letters in Spanish, like ñ.