カギ括弧

• Reading: かぎかっこ
• Romaji: kagikakko
• Kanji breakdown: 鉤 (kagi) — hook; 括 (katsu) — enclose; 弧 (ko) — arc
• Pronunciation: /ka.ɡi.kak.ko/

Meaning

Japanese quotation marks (「 」); angular brackets used in Japanese writing for dialogue and quotations.

A noun referring to the distinctive corner brackets used in Japanese writing. Single カギ括弧「 」are used for dialogue and quotations, while double ones『 』are used for titles and nested quotes. Essential knowledge for anyone studying Japanese writing conventions.

Examples

1. 会話文はカギ括弧で囲んで書いてください。 Please write dialogue enclosed in Japanese quotation marks.
2. 引用するときはカギ括弧を使うのが日本語のルールだ。 It is a rule in Japanese to use corner brackets when quoting.
3. レポートにカギ括弧が多すぎると読みにくくなる。 If there are too many quotation marks in a report, it becomes hard to read.

Usage Guide

Context: writing, education, typography

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of カギ/鉤 (hook, bracket) + 括弧 (parentheses, brackets). カギ refers to the hook-like shape of the marks. 括弧 itself combines 括 (enclose) + 弧 (arc).

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal