The zero width non joiner (ZWNJ) is a non-printing character used in the computerized typesetting of some cursive script, Korean hangul or Persian script. When placed between two characters that would otherwise be connected, a ZWNJ causes them to be printed in their final and initial forms, respectively. This is also an effect of a space character, but a ZWNJ is used when it is desirable to keep the words closer together. The ZWNJ is represented in Unicode is U+200C, and can be represented in HTML as ‌ or ‌.
Since recently ZWNJ is being used also in Hebrew scripts, especially to differentiate between the vowel holam male, and the constant-vowel combination vav+holam haser, the latter is being written as vav, ZWNJ, holam haser.
The ZWNJ is also used in latin OpenType fonts, which would otherwise automatically create a ligature (e.g. fi). When a ZWNJ is used, no ligature is created.
Persian example
Correct form with ZWNJ: میخواهم
Incorrect (with space): می خواهم
Incorrect (joined) : میخواهم
Hebrew example
Correct form with ZWNJ: עֲוֹנֹת
Incorrect : עֲוֹנֹת
The above is supposed to be the Hebrew plural of transgression. Notice the position of the dot on the second letter from right to left (though some fonts may not show the difference). It is sometimes rendered with the dot being above the letter vav when it should be rendered correctly to be slightly to the left. This could lead to confusion with the plural for the word answer.
See also
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