En Space

Printing
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A blank space about half the width of an em. It provides moderate separation between elements.

Detailed Definition
An en space is a typographic space traditionally equal to half an em, though its exact visual width depends on the typeface and composition system. It is often used where a normal word space is too narrow but an em space would be too dramatic. In poetry, an en space can subtly separate phrases, speakers, or paired images without creating a full break in the line. Its measured distance can support a poem's visual rhythm while preserving an overall sense of connection.
Example
Example in poetry:
An en space is a medium-width blank space, roughly half the width of an em space; A poetry editor may use an en space in a date range such as 1914–1918 when printing a poem’s historical note; In a bibliography at the end of a poetry collection, en spaces can create neat separation in specialized typographic settings; A poet may choose an en space for a subtle pause that is wider than a normal space but less dramatic than an em space
Additional Notes
An "en space" (or nut space) is a typographical unit of measurement equal to half an em space, typically matching the width of a capital letter "N". In poetic typesetting, en spaces are frequently used to separate small layout elements, create precise indents for alternating rhymed lines, or space out characters in titles. Understanding the distinction between an em space and an en space helps students appreciate subtle typographic pacing: an em space creates a heavy, noticeable pause, whereas an en space offers a clean, moderate breath without disrupting textual continuity. Related terms include em space, thin space, en dash, and kerning.
Also Known As
En Quad
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