# Esc key

> computer key

**Wikidata**: [Q1060285](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1060285)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esc_key)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/esc-key

## Summary
The Esc key (short for Escape) is a physical computer key found on standard keyboards. It is classified as a specific instance of a computer key and is standardized under ISO/IEC 9995-7 as symbol 29. The key is represented by the Unicode character U+238B (⎋), visually depicted as a broken circle with a northwest arrow.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Instance of a "computer key" defined as a physical button on a computer keyboard.
- **Unicode Symbol**: Represented by character U+238B (⎋), described as a "broken circle with northwest arrow."
- **Standardization**: Designated as symbol 29 in ISO/IEC 9995-7 and symbol ISO-7000-2029 in ISO 7000.
- **Common Aliases**: Known globally as "esc," "escape," "escape key," "Échap," "Touche échap," "Tecla Esc," and "エスケープキー" (Escape key in Japanese).
- **Distinctions**: Formally differentiated from the concepts of "Escape" (the general action) and "escape character" (a programming construct).
- **Freebase ID**: /m/06jgdx.
- **Wikipedia Presence**: Has a sitelink count of 27 across various languages including English, German, Spanish, and Arabic.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the official symbol for the Esc key?
A: The official symbol is defined by ISO/IEC 9995-7 (symbol 29) and ISO 7000 (symbol 2029). It corresponds to the Unicode character U+238B, which appears as a broken circle with a northwest arrow (⎋).

### Q: Is the Esc key the same as an escape character?
A: No. Structured data distinguishes the "Esc key" as a physical button from the "escape character," which is a data type or code point used in computing logic.

### Q: What are the international names for the Esc key?
A: It is known by various names including "Tecla Esc" (Spanish), "Échap" or "Touche échap" (French), and "エスケープキー" (Japanese).

## Why It Matters
The Esc key is a fundamental component of the human-computer interface, serving as a standardized input mechanism recognized globally across different languages and operating systems. Its inclusion in international standards (ISO/IEC 9995-7 and ISO 7000) ensures that users have a consistent physical method for interaction, regardless of the specific software or hardware being used. The key's distinct visual representation (U+238B) and its presence in major encyclopedia entries (with 27 sitelinks) highlight its ubiquity and essential role in computing history. By being explicitly defined as a physical button separate from the abstract "escape character," it bridges the gap between user intention and digital execution.

## Notable For
- **Universal Standardization**: Possessing a specific, standardized icon (ISO 7000-2029) that transcends language barriers.
- **Unique Unicode Identifier**: Being one of the few keyboard keys with a dedicated graphical character in the Unicode standard (U+238B).
- **Global Nomenclature**: Maintaining consistent recognition under names like "Échap," "Tecla Esc," and "Escape" across diverse linguistic regions.
- **Taxonomical Distinction**: Being clearly defined as a physical entity (computer key) rather than just a functional abstraction.

## Body
### Definition and Classification
The Esc key is categorized as an **instance of a computer key**. In the detailed knowledge base, it is explicitly defined as a **physical button on a computer keyboard**. It is related to the broader class of input devices but retains a distinct entry as a specific key.

### Visual Representation and Standards
The key is visually and functionally represented by specific technical standards:
- **ISO/IEC 9995-7**: Identifies the key as **symbol 29**.
- **ISO 7000**: Identifies the key as **symbol ISO-7000-2029**.
- **Unicode**: The key is mapped to **U+238B**. The visual description of this character is a "broken circle with northwest arrow" (⎋).

### Linguistic Variants and Aliases
The entity is recognized multilingually, with aliases including:
- **English**: esc, escape, escape key
- **Spanish**: Tecla Esc, Tecla Escape
- **French**: Touche echap, Échap, Touche échap
- **Japanese**: エスケープキー, Escapeキー

### Data Identifiers
- **Wikidata Description**: computer key
- **Freebase ID**: /m/06jgdx
- **Commons Category**: Esc key

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013