Double Prime vs. Quotation Mark
The double-prime character and a quotation mark are distinct. Quotation marks delimit quoted language or serve other editorial roles; double prime belongs to technical notation such as inches, seconds of arc, or derivative notation when the relevant convention defines it.
Use quotation marks for quoted language; use double prime only when the technical notation calls for U+2033 DOUBLE PRIME.
Key details
Important caveats
Accessibility Boundary
Do not substitute a visually similar quote for a double-prime symbol in precision-sensitive technical content.
Further guidance
Character Difference
Unicode lists QUOTATION MARK (U+0022) separately from DOUBLE PRIME (U+2033).
Practical Application
Use quotation marks for quoted words or dialogue. Use U+2033 DOUBLE PRIME only for notation that actually calls for a prime symbol, such as certain measurements or mathematical/scientific conventions; do not substitute a straight or curly quotation mark merely because it looks similar.
Reader Check
Is the mark functioning as punctuation around language, or as a technical prime symbol with a domain-specific meaning?
Use
Use quotation marks according to language/editorial style; reserve double prime for technical notation that explicitly requires it.
Worked Example
Write “She said ‘ready’” with quotation punctuation according to style; in a notation that specifies double prime, enter the dedicated ″ character rather than a closing quotation mark.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Basic Latin — Unicode Names List (opens in a new tab)Unicode Consortium · Unicode character identities for quotation mark, apostrophe, ampersand, solidus, and vertical line
- General Punctuation — Unicode Names List (opens in a new tab)Unicode Consortium · Unicode identities for directional quotation marks and related punctuation characters