Subscript left parenthesis (₍) is the Unicode character at U+208D in the Superscripts and Subscripts block. Official name: SUBSCRIPT LEFT PARENTHESIS. It is a dedicated subscript form of ( for math, chemistry, and plain-text notation.
Remember
Character ₍
Unicode U+208D
Hex entity ₍
Decimal ₍
CSS escape \208D
Named entity (none)
Not the same ( · <sub>(</sub> · ⁽
Prefer ₍ or ₍ in HTML markup. You can also type ₍ in UTF-8. There is no named entity.
Using Hex Code: ₍
Using HTML Code: ₍
Using CSS Entity: ₍
Typed directly: ₍
Example: ₍a₎
How It Works
1. Hex:U+208D → ₍ in HTML. The browser turns it into ₍.
2. Decimal: same code point as 8333 → ₍. Same result as hex.
3. CSS: use \208D in content (not an HTML entity). #point::after appends that ₍ after the paragraph text.
4. Typed / example: paste ₍ in UTF-8, or write ₍a₎ to show a matching subscript parenthesis pair.
Pitfalls & Tips
Common mistakes when working with Subscript Left Parenthesis.
Named?
No named entity
HTML5 does not define a named entity for U+208D. Use ₍ or ₍.
(
Not ordinary parenthesis
Typing ( is U+0028. Prefer U+208D only when a true subscript glyph is required.
<sub>
Entity vs <sub>
<sub>(</sub> styles a normal parenthesis as subscript. ₍ is a fixed Unicode character — pick one approach per context.
Pair
Match with ₎
Closing subscript parenthesis is U+208E (₎). Use both for balanced subscript grouping.
⁽
Not superscript left paren
Superscript left parenthesis is U+207D (⁽). Subscript left parenthesis is U+208D.
CSS vs HTML
Do not mix escapes
\208D belongs in CSS strings. ₍ / ₍ belong in HTML.
Compatibility
Browser Support
Subscript left parenthesis (U+208D) and its entity forms (₍, ₍, CSS \\208D) are supported in all mainstream browsers. Visible glyphs depend on font coverage for Superscripts and Subscripts.
✓ Universal support
Subscript Left Parenthesis (₍)
Encode with hex, decimal, CSS escape, or type the character — same code point everywhere encoding is supported.
100%Browser coverage
Google ChromeSupported
Yes
Microsoft EdgeSupported
Yes
Mozilla FirefoxSupported
Yes
Apple SafariSupported
Yes
OperaSupported
Yes
Internet ExplorerAll versions
Yes
U+208D / entitiesFull support
Bottom line: Prefer ₍ or ₍ in HTML. Use \\208D only inside CSS content. There is no named entity.
Remember
Key Takeaways
Unicode: this mark is U+208D (decimal 8333) — glyph ₍.
HTML: use ₍ or ₍ — no named entity; typing ₍ also works.
CSS: use \208D inside content for generated text.
Meaning:₍ = subscript left parenthesis — not (, not ⁽, pair with ₎.
One line:U+208D → ₍ / ₍ / CSS \208D.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use ₍ (hex), ₍ (decimal), type ₍ directly in UTF-8, or the CSS escape \208D in content. There is no named HTML entity for U+208D.
U+208D (SUBSCRIPT LEFT PARENTHESIS). Hex 208D, decimal 8333. It belongs to Superscripts and Subscripts (U+2070–U+209F).
No. HTML5 does not define a named entity for this character. Use numeric forms ₍ or ₍.
Use it when you need a true subscript left parenthesis in plain text (e.g. chemical or math-style notation). Prefer ( for normal grouping, <sub>(</sub> when HTML structure is enough, and U+207D for superscript left parenthesis.
HTML entities (₍ or ₍) go in markup. The CSS escape \208D goes in stylesheet strings (usually content on ::before/::after).
No. ₍ is a dedicated Unicode subscript character (U+208D). ( is the normal left parenthesis (U+0028). <sub>(</sub> styles a normal ( as subscript via HTML markup — different approach, often more accessible for screen readers.
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Did you know?
Subscript left parenthesis (₍) is Unicode U+208D (decimal 8333) — SUBSCRIPT LEFT PARENTHESIS in the Superscripts and Subscripts block (U+2070–U+209F). HTML5 has no named entity — use ₍ or ₍. Pair it with subscript right parenthesis (U+208E). The raised counterpart is superscript left parenthesis (U+207D).
