Right-to-left Embedding Symbol
Right-to-Left Embedding (U+202B) is a Unicode control character that tells text renderers to treat following content as right-to-left.
U+202B
This character is part of Unicode’s bidirectional (bidi) text controls. It’s used to influence how mixed left-to-right and right-to-left text is displayed. You can copy it directly or use its HTML/CSS/JavaScript escapes.
Right-to-left Embedding Symbol Meaning
Right-to-Left Embedding (Unicode U+202B) is a bidi formatting control character. When a renderer encounters it, the following text is placed into a right-to-left embedding context, which can help keep punctuation, ordering, and layout consistent for scripts like Arabic or Hebrew when mixed with left-to-right text (such as English or numbers). This is not a printable glyph; it affects text direction behavior. It’s typically paired with a “pop”/reset control (commonly U+202C) to return to the prior direction. Use it carefully in UI strings, templates, and content where mixed-direction rendering matters.
Common uses
- •Ensuring mixed Arabic/Hebrew and English snippets render with the intended right-to-left ordering
- •Building consistent direction handling in UI labels, menus, and dashboards that combine RTL and LTR text
- •Forcing right-to-left context when displaying usernames, IDs, or messages containing mixed scripts
- •Preparing copied text for chat apps or editors that might otherwise reorder characters unexpectedly
- •Developer use in templating systems to control bidi behavior without changing surrounding layout
Examples
Right-to-Left Embedding (U+202B)
- English text then مرحبا then more English.
- Order ID 123 abc-שלום end.
- Subject: نص عربي (with a short English tag).
- Link label דוגמה Example for navigation.
- Chat preview: مرحبا World — please reply.
Variations
Ready to copy
Technical codes
| Unicode | U+202B | |
| HTML Entity | ‫ | |
| HTML Code | ‫ | |
| CSS | \202B | |
| Alt Code | Alt + 8235 | |
| Decimal | 8235 |
How to type Right-to-left Embedding Symbol ()
On Windows
Hold Alt and type 8235 on the numeric keypad. In Word, type 202B then press Alt + X.
On Mac
Switch to the Unicode Hex Input keyboard, then hold Option and type 202B. Or press Control + Command + Space and search.
On Linux
Press Control + Shift + U, type 202b, then press Enter or Space.
Anywhere
Copy with the button above and paste it wherever you need it — this works on every device and in every app, with no keyboard shortcut to remember.
FAQ
What does the Right-to-left Embedding symbol mean?
Right-to-Left Embedding (Unicode U+202B) is a bidi formatting control character. When a renderer encounters it, the following text is placed into a right-to-left embedding context, which can help keep punctuation, ordering, and layout consistent for scripts like Arabic or Hebrew when mixed with left-to-right text (such as English or numbers). This is not a printable glyph; it affects text direction behavior. It’s typically paired with a “pop”/reset control (commonly U+202C) to return to the prior direction. Use it carefully in UI strings, templates, and content where mixed-direction rendering matters.
Is U+202B a visible character?
No. Right-to-Left Embedding is a formatting control character. It changes how nearby text is displayed rather than appearing as a glyph.
When should I use Right-to-Left Embedding?
Use it when you need specific right-to-left behavior for mixed-direction text (e.g., RTL content surrounded by LTR labels or numbers).
Do I need to add a reset character after U+202B?
Often, yes. Many workflows pair embedding with a “pop”/reset bidi control so the effect doesn’t unintentionally extend beyond the intended segment.
How can I copy it reliably in code?
Use the provided escapes: HTML ‫, CSS \\202B, or JavaScript \\u{202B}, or paste the literal character directly when supported.