Backslash escapes the next character in many contexts.

Section: Quoting

Escape one character

bash
bash
echo "A quote: \""
Explanation

Needed when embedding quotes in strings.

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Compare similar commands or jump into common fixes when this command is part of a bigger troubleshooting path.

Related commands

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Literal single-quoted string
Single quotes prevent all expansion.
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Expandable double-quoted string
Double quotes allow variable and command expansion.
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ANSI-C quoted string
Use ANSI-C quoting for escapes like newline and tab.
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Print literal dollar sign
Print shell metacharacters literally.
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Read variable
Expand a variable with double quotes.
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Assign a shell variable.