Guillemet vs. Chevron — What's the Difference?

Guillemets, also known as angle quotes, are punctuation marks used primarily in non-English languages to denote direct speech or to highlight particular segments of text. They appear in pairs, pointing inward («like this») for opening quotes and outward (»like this«) for closing quotes, depending on the language. On the other hand, chevrons are characters or symbols shaped like a V or an inverted V, used across different fields with varying meanings. In mathematics and computer science, they are used to denote vectors or to encapsulate elements. In military or heraldry contexts, chevrons are insignia used to indicate rank or length of service.

Guillemets are an integral part of the typesetting and punctuation systems in languages such as French, Italian, and Russian, where they serve to enclose speech and quotations. They provide a clear distinction between the quoted material and the rest of the text, ensuring that readers can easily navigate through complex narratives. Conversely, chevrons play a crucial role in denoting relationships or hierarchies within mathematical sets, computer code, and organizational structures. Their usage is more symbolic, representing direction, connection, or rank rather than linguistic context.

In typography, guillemets are specific to the cultural and linguistic norms of certain languages, adhering to the stylistic and grammatical rules of those languages. This usage underscores the diversity of punctuation practices around the world and the importance of context in written communication. Chevrons, however, are utilized more for their graphical shape and directional properties, transcending linguistic barriers to find a place in various domains including mathematics, where they are essential in vector notation, and graphic design, where they contribute to visual hierarchy and emphasis.

While guillemets are part of the standard punctuation in specific language systems, requiring users to understand their proper application within those languages, chevrons are more universally recognized symbols whose meanings are derived from their context rather than from grammatical rules. This universality allows chevrons to be applied across a broad spectrum of disciplines without the need for linguistic adaptation.

Despite their distinct uses, both guillemets and chevrons enrich the visual and semantic landscape of communication. Guillemets enhance the clarity and structure of written language, especially in dialogue and quotations, while chevrons add a layer of meaning and organization in fields ranging from mathematics to heraldry, demonstrating the versatility and expressive power of symbols.