〽️

Part Alternation Mark

pahrt awl-tur-NAY-shuhn mahrk

Symbols Unicode 0.6 rare

Meanings

Music · Performance uncommon

A symbol indicating the start of a part in Japanese music notation, particularly in karaoke to signal when to begin singing.

Used in music contexts or as a stylistic element in messages about performances or singing.

Ready for karaoke night! 〽️ I'll start with my favorite song! 📋 Social media post

Originally from Japanese music notation, now primarily used in digital contexts with limited recognition outside Japan.

Symbol · Decorative rare

Used decoratively in text as a stylistic element or divider without specific meaning attached.

Often used for aesthetic purposes rather than semantic meaning in Western contexts.

〽️ Today's Announcements 〽️ 📋 Message header

Most Western users are unfamiliar with its original purpose and use it purely for visual appeal.

〽️🎤

Karaoke performance or singing cue

Used in messages about singing or karaoke activities

〽️🎵

Musical performance or singing part

Indicates musical notation or performance cues

Originally a symbol in Japanese musical notation indicating where a singer should begin their part, particularly in traditional folk music.

One of many Japanese-origin symbols added to Unicode with limited understanding or usage outside Japan.

Japan Recognized as a musical notation symbol with specific meaning in karaoke and musical contexts.

Gen_X: Limited usage, primarily by those with interest in Japanese culture or music.

Gen_Z: Rarely used; when appearing, typically as decorative element without knowledge of original meaning.

Older: Very rare usage, generally unfamiliar with this symbol.

Millennials: Occasional decorative use in social media posts with minimal understanding of original purpose.

2010

Included in Unicode 6.0 as part of Japanese symbol set for digital text.

Growing internationalization of Unicode character sets