¯
Macron
The macron symbol (¯) indicates long vowel sounds in linguistics and serves as an overline in mathematical notation, while also functioning as a crucial element in Japanese romanization and phonetic transcription systems.
Technical Details
- ASCII Code
- 175
- HTML Entity
- ¯
- Hexadecimal
- 0xAF
- Binary
- 10101111
- Octal
- 257
Usage & Examples
Programming
char symbol = '¯'; // ASCII 175HTML/Web
¯ or ¯Common Uses
How to Type This Character
Windows
Mac
💡 Pro tip: The fastest way is to bookmark this page or copy the character from our ASCII library!
Related Characters
About the Macron
Phonetic Precision
Essential for accurate pronunciation guides in dictionaries, language learning materials, and linguistic research. The macron distinguishes long vowels from short vowels in languages like Latin, Japanese (rōmaji), and various other linguistic systems worldwide.
Educational Applications
Critical for language instruction, particularly in classical studies, Japanese language learning, and phonetics courses. Teachers and students rely on macrons to master proper pronunciation and understand vowel length distinctions.
Mathematical Notation
Used as an overline to indicate repeating decimals (0.3̄ = 0.333...), averages (x̄), or negation in logic. The macron provides precise mathematical communication in algebra, statistics, and formal logic systems.
Japanese Romanization
Fundamental to the Hepburn romanization system for Japanese, distinguishing long vowels (ō, ū, ā) that are crucial for proper pronunciation and meaning. Essential for Japanese language learning materials and international communication.
History of the Macron
Classical Origins
Ancient Greek grammarians developed diacritical marks including the macron to indicate vowel length and proper pronunciation in poetry and formal speech instruction.
Latin Adoption
Roman scholars adapted the macron for Latin texts to mark long vowels, establishing pronunciation standards that influenced European linguistic traditions for centuries.
Modern Linguistics
Comparative linguists systematized macron usage for phonetic transcription, making it essential for documenting and comparing languages worldwide in scholarly research.
Hepburn Romanization
The standardized Hepburn system for Japanese romanization officially adopted macrons to indicate long vowels, becoming the international standard for Japanese language instruction.
Digital Typography
Computer systems integrated macron support for academic publishing, language learning software, and international communication, ensuring global accessibility of linguistic notation.
Cultural Impact
The macron became the bridge between oral and written language precision, enabling accurate preservation and transmission of pronunciation across cultures and centuries, from ancient texts to modern language learning.
Usage Examples
Japanese Romanization
ExampleStandard Hepburn romanization showing long vowel pronunciation
Latin Pronunciation
ExampleClassical Latin with proper vowel length marking for students
Mathematical Notation
ExampleStatistical means, repeating decimals, and logical notation
Dictionary Entries
ExamplePronunciation guides in dictionaries and reference materials