Modifier Letter Apostrophe ʼ

ʼ (U+2BC) is a standard Unicode character that you can copy and paste anywhere text is accepted. This page provides a concise reference with safe tips, internal links, and practical guidance so you can use it reliably across apps and platforms.

What it is and where it’s used: Modifier Letter Apostrophe is part of the Symbols family (block: Spacing Modifier Letters). If you need styled or decorative alternatives, try our Fancy Text tool to generate compatible text that works in most modern interfaces.

History & usage: The character MODIFIER LETTER APOSTROPHE, with codepoint U+2BC, belongs to the Spacing Modifier Letters block and uses the Common script. In use, this sign functions as a punctuation mark that structures text and helps convey tone. It can distinguish syllables or marks in transcription, and it may appear in diverse typographic practices. Its form and behavior vary across fonts and input methods, so editors watch how it sits within lines and how it interacts with surrounding characters. The history of this symbol is tied to its role as a modifier rather than a standard quotation or apostrophe. It is designed to be distinct enough to modify adjacent letters without taking the role of a simple apostrophe in all languages. In many settings, this figure is chosen for phonetic or orthographic work, not for everyday punctuation. Usage conventions differ by style and locale, so writers adapt the mark to fit the preferences of the text, the target audience, and the chosen style guide. Overall, this modifier letter apostrophe helps convey nuanced meaning by altering letters and shaping the rhythm of written text across contexts.

Copy and input: the quickest method is to copy the character here. You can also insert it by its codepoint U+2BC in many development tools or editors. Some operating systems provide a character viewer or input palette that lets you search by name or code and insert the glyph into documents.

Display and fallback: if you see an empty box (tofu) or a placeholder rectangle, the active font might not include this codepoint. Switching to a font with broader Unicode coverage or using a fallback font usually fixes the issue. On the web, ensure the page’s font stack includes a general‑purpose fallback.

Related references: browse the Categories for similar characters. When choosing a symbol, prefer the official codepoint for semantic clarity and better compatibility with search, copy, and accessibility tooling.

See our category page for related symbols.