Pronunciation: [hˈɑːd sˈa͡ɪn] (IPA) 
The hard sign is a letter in the Cyrillic alphabet used in several Slavic languages. It looks like the English letter "b" but with a vertical line instead of a loop. Its primary function is to indicate the end of a word or syllable and to distinguish it from the next word or syllable. The IPA transcription for the hard sign is [ʊ] and it is usually pronounced in the back of the mouth with the lips slightly rounded.
A hard sign is a diacritical mark utilized in certain orthographies, particularly the Cyrillic alphabet, to modify the pronunciation of specific letters. Also known as a "yers" or "er-es", the hard sign is represented by the symbol 'ъ' resembling the Latin letter Q rotated 180 degrees. This mark is employed in words where it denotes the absence of palatalization, usually occurring after consonants in the initial and medial positions.
The hard sign is functionally equivalent to the soft sign, but it is distinct in its purpose and phonetic effect. When combined with a consonant, it signals a strong, non-palatalized sound to follow. The hard sign contributes to the phonemic distinction between hard and soft consonants in certain languages, including Russian, Ukrainian, and Bulgarian, among others.
In Russian, for instance, the hard sign is used to indicate a finalized, unpalatalized consonant preceding it, making the subsequent vowel pronounced with more force and clarity compared to the soft counterpart. This alteration is essential for properly understanding and pronouncing words in these languages and enables correct comprehension and articulation of phonetic nuances.
The hard sign's significance lies in its ability to affect the sound values and meanings of words within specific alphabets that employ it. Its presence or absence can drastically modify the pronunciation and, by extension, the semantic interpretation of words, highlighting the importance of this diacritic in the written and spoken languages utilizing it.
The term "hard sign" originates from the Greek language. In Greek, it is called "σκληρό τελεία" (sklēró teleía). The word "σκληρός" (sklērós) translates to "hard", while "τελεία" (teleía) translates to "sign" or "full stop". The hard sign (ъ) is a punctuation mark used in some Slavic languages, particularly in Russian and Bulgarian, to indicate the sound /j/. The term "hard sign" is used to differentiate it from the "soft sign" (ь), which indicates palatalization.
