Reference mark facts for kids

The reference mark (※) is a special symbol used in writing, especially in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean languages. It looks a bit like a star or a snowflake. People use it to point out important information or to add extra notes, similar to how an asterisk (*) is used in English.

Handwritten notice in Japanese. Note the komejirushi at the bottom of each page, preceding the footnotes.

What is the Reference Mark?

This symbol is often used to draw attention to something important. Imagine reading a book and seeing a little star next to a word. That star usually means there's a note at the bottom of the page that explains more. The reference mark works in a similar way.

In Chinese, Japanese, and Korean writing, these notes (called footnotes) are sometimes placed right within the text. They are not always at the very bottom of the page. The reference mark helps readers know that extra information is coming.

Different Names for the Reference Mark

The reference mark has different names depending on the language. These names often describe what the symbol looks like or what it's used for.

Japanese Name: Komejirushi

In Japanese, the symbol is called komejirushi (Japanese: こめじるし). This name literally means "rice symbol" (米印). It got this name because it looks a lot like the Japanese character (米) for "rice."

Korean Names: Chamgopyo and Danggujangpyo

In Korean, one name for the symbol is chamgopyo (Korean: 참고표). This name simply means "reference mark."

It also has a fun, informal name: danggujangpyo (Korean: 당구장표). This means "billiard hall mark." People call it this because the symbol looks like two crossed cue sticks and four billiard balls. It is often used to show where a pool hall is located.