Below is the Alt code keyboard shortcut for inserting the upside down question mark or inverted question mark. If you are new to ALT codes and need detailed instructions on how to use them, please read How to Use ALT Codes to Enter Special Characters. The Alt code for the inverted question mark (¿) sign on Windows systems is 168 or 0191. To enter the inverted question mark using the Alt code, hold down the Alt key and, while keeping it pressed, type 168 or 0191 using the numeric keypad. Then, release the Alt key, and the inverted question mark (¿) should appear. On an Apple Mac US keyboard, press the Option key, Shift key and forward slash [/] key simultaneously, then release. Remember that Alt codes may not work in all applications or with all keyboard configurations, as it depends on the specific settings and character encoding. If these methods do not work, simply copy and paste the inverted question mark sign below.
Click the upside down question mark (inverted question mark) to copy:
¿
| Symbol | ¿ |
| Symbol Name | Inverted question mark Turned question mark Upside down question mark |
| Windows Alt Code | ALT 168 or ALT 0191 |
| Windows Alt X Code | 00BF ALT X |
| Mac Option Key Shortcut | Option + Shift + / Note: The forward slash [/] and question mark [?] share the same button key. |
| HTML Entity Named Character Reference | ¿ |
| HTML Entity Numeric Character Reference (Hexadecimal) | ¿ |
| HTML Entity Numeric Character Reference (Decimal) | ¿ |
| Unicode Code Point | U+00BF |
Meaning and Usage of the Inverted Question Mark or Upside Down Question Mark (¿)
The inverted question mark or upside down question mark (¿) is a punctuation mark used primarily in Spanish and some other languages to denote the beginning of an interrogative or question sentence. It is a mirrored or upside-down version of the regular question mark (?).
The use of the inverted question mark is a distinctive feature of Spanish grammar and orthography. In Spanish, it is placed at the beginning of a question sentence, followed by a regular question mark at the end of the sentence. This helps to indicate that a question is being asked right from the beginning of the sentence, even before reaching the question word or verb.
For example:
¿Cómo estás? (How are you?)
¿Dónde vives? (Where do you live?)
¿Cuántos años tienes? (How old are you?)
The inverted question mark is also used in some other languages, such as Galician, Asturian, and Waray-Waray, which are related to or influenced by Spanish. However, it’s important to note that not all languages use the inverted question mark in the same way.
In most other languages, including English, the regular question mark (?) is used at the end of a sentence to indicate a question. The inverted question mark is not commonly used outside of Spanish and its related languages.
It’s worth mentioning that when typing or writing in a language that doesn’t traditionally use the inverted question mark, such as English, it is not necessary to use it. Instead, the regular question mark should be used at the end of a question sentence.
The inverted question mark or upside down question mark (¿) is a part of the set of ALT Codes for Punctuation Sign Symbols. For the the complete list of the ASCII based Windows ALT Codes, refer to Windows ALT Codes for Special Characters & Symbols.
