Non-breaking space

The non-breaking space is a typographic character little known to the general public but widely used by translators—especially technical translators.

It looks like a regular space, but it prevents a line break at its position. For example, if you use normal spaces in “€10 630”, your word processor may split the number across two lines or separate the number from the euro sign. In such cases, use a non-breaking space (also called hard space, no-break space, or nonseparable space).

When to use it

• In numbers, between thousand-grouping spaces.

• Between numbers and their measurement symbols.

• In certain proper names where a break would be unclear or ugly: Dr Pepper, Formula 1, The Times, etc.

The non-breaking space doesn’t change the accuracy of a technical translation, but it improves readability.

How to type it
There’s no dedicated key; you need a shortcut—and not all shortcuts work in all apps/OSs. A common one in Microsoft Word is Ctrl+Shift+Space. Other methods exist (e.g., Alt codes on Windows), but support varies.
Typographers also use narrower fixed spaces (thin, hair spaces). These can convert badly between apps or fonts. Unless you have specific instructions, stick to the standard non-breaking space.

© 2025 Alejandro Moreno Ramos, www.ingenierotraductor.com