Spanish vs. English punctuation

Although Spanish and English use almost the same punctuation, there a few significant differences to consider. Here are some of the uses that a Translator should not disregard.

Period

In Spanish the period is used basically the same as in English, coming at the end of sentences and most abbreviations. However, in Spanish numerals, a comma is often used instead of a period and vice versa.

• She earned $16,416.87 last year.
• Ganó $16.416,87 el año pasado.

Comma

The comma usually is used the same as in English, being used to indicate a break in thought or to set off clauses or words. One difference is that in lists, there is no comma between the next-to-last item and the y, whereas in English some writers use a comma before the "and." This use in English is sometimes called the serial comma or the Oxford comma.

• I bought a shirt, two shoes, and three books.
• Compré una camisa, dos zapatos y tres libros.
• I came, Isaw, I conquered. 
• Vine, vi y vencí.

Dash

The dash is used most frequently in Spanish to indicate a change in speakers during a dialogue, thus replacing quotation marks. In English, it is very common to separate each speaker's remarks into a separate paragraph, but that typically isn't done in Spanish.

• — ¿Cómo estás? — Muy bien ¿y tú? — Muy bien también.
• "How are you?"
• "I'm fine. And you?"
• "I'm fine too."

Dashes can also be used to set off material from the rest of the text, much as they are in English.

• If you want a cup of coffee — it's very nice — you can buy it here.
• Si quieres una taza de café — es muy agradable — puedes comprarla aquí.

Quotation Marks

The angled quotation marks and the English-style quotation marks are equivalent. The main difference between the English and Spanish uses of quotation marks is that sentence punctuation in Spanish goes outside the quote marks, while in American English the punctuation is on the inside.

·         I want to read "Romeo and Juliet."

• Quiero leer "Romeo y Julieta".

Spanish quotation marks are often used in quoted speech, especially in dialogues.

       ·     «¡María, te amo!», exclamó Juan.

       ·      "Maria, I love you!" exclaimed Juan.