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Which quotation marks should I use? Some sentences use double-quotes, i.e. "...", while others use double-angle-quotes, i.e. «...».
Obviously, the " is correct in English. However, I am not sure which ones to use in Russian. For example, should I write "Это цитата." or «Это цитата.»?
What are the correct symbols to use? Should I use "..." or «...»? If both should be used, when should I use one or the other?
Two types of quotation marks are used in Russian typography. The first one is «ёлочки», which is used in more formal writing. The other one is „лапки“. When you have one quote inside another you can use both of them.
На первой полосе было крупными буквами написано: «Пароход „Титаник“ столкнулся с айсбергом».
BTW, even though the sentence “Это цитирует приговор” is grammatically correct, I don't understand what it means.
To add to the answers above, here's how you can use the right kind of quotation marks on your computer.
On Mac, while using Russian keyboard layout:
Simultaneously push
option,shiftand=to type«Simultaneously push
optionand=to type»
On Win,
Turn on num lock, then push and hold alt, then type these sequences of numbers on the numeric keypad:
0171to type«
0187to type»
0132to type„
0147to type“
Another difference between Russian and English quotation marks is where you put the period. In English, the period is put inside the quote: "Like this." In Russian, the period is put after the quote: «Вот так».
It should be also said, that the outstanding majority of Russians don't use the correct quotation marks on the Internet. As far as I know, the " symbol didn't use to be a quotation mark either (the English quotation marks are “ and ”), and is only used now due to the fact that typewriters lacked the proper signs. However, it is accepted now in English, and is widely used in Russian, despite the snobby attitude the graphic designers have towards it.
" was used, as they tried to save space on the typewriter keyboard.
Dec 5, 2012 at 11:44
" is still not a quotation mark. Its proper meaning is a second of a degree (minute of a degree is marked as ') in radial quantities, and an inch in linear measurements.
In typographic text «…» are preferable. In da internetz "…" are used, as no other quotes available on the keyboard. In hand-writing „…“ are used almost exclusively.
By the way, if you want translate something like
“It's very useful to have a gun,” he said with calm voice.
it is better to avoid quotes at all, using direct speech, where applicable:
— Очень полезно иметь пушку, — хладнокровно сказал он.
-- instead of — in dialogs.
You should use «...». The problem is that many text editors don't allow to use «...» directly, so often you have to replace it with "...". It seems to be the only reason why "..." are used in Russian.
Here's what Artemiy Lebedev, the (in?)famous designer, has to say about quotation marks. And a little more - here.
In short, he also says, that the only correct forms of quotation marks in Russian writing/typography are these: «» and „“. They can be used interchangeably, but, as Yury correctly states they can be combined if you need to enclose something in quotation marks when the sentence itself is already quoted.
The usage of these quotes: "" is considered sloppy, excluding special cases, such as writing source code. They is common on the Internet, although it is not true that the correct form of quotation marks is inaccessible on the standard keyboard. They are just slightly harder to remember. :) Here's the list for Windows:
Although, for the last two to work you need to change the registry and I never succeeded in making it work for me. :(
Oh, and there's yet another way - Ilya Birman's typographic keyboard layout. It has all the symbols you may need.
When writing by hand, the upper and lower double quotes („...“).
In other cases - as you prefer.
