Markdown Italic
Last updated: 2026-10-14
Italic CommonMark core
Wrap text in single * or _ for italic. Like bold, prefer asterisks for mid-word emphasis; three asterisks give bold+italic. Note that italic can look weak in Chinese fonts.
| Group | Basic: Inline |
|---|---|
| Spec level | CommonMark core |
| Spec version | CommonMark 0.31.2 + GFM |
📝 Syntax
*italic text*
or _italic text_▶ Live Example
Edit Markdown on the left, see the result on the right
💡 Key points
💡 Tip CJK fonts usually lack true italics (just slanted); prefer bold for Chinese emphasis.
ℹ️ Note Underscores follow the same intraword rules as bold — asterisks are safer.
❓ FAQ
Q How to write bold italic?
A Three markers: ***text*** or ___text___.
Q Why is my asterisk not working?
A Check flanking rules and hugging; when unsure, mix * and _ per level.
Q What tag does italic render to?
A <em> — semantic emphasis, read with stress by screen readers.
📚 See also
BoldCommonMark core Emphasis Nesting & PrecedenceCommonMark core