How many syllables does くの字点 affect?


![](https://i.stack.imgur.com/hrQrm.jpg)

It is my understanding that くの字点{じてん} (seen above) is the "double or multiple
repeat marker" in vertical writing. Given that it can be used to repeat two
_or more_ syllables, how do you know how many preceding syllables to repeat?
Is it just a matter of memorization?

For example (using（く）to represent the symbol in horizontal writing below):

ひとり（く）＝ ひとりひとり is easy to understand because it is a word I am already
familiar with.

However, if I read 「くり返し（く）」and wasn't familiar with the word for repeatedly,
I may incorrectly read it as 「くり返し返し」 and not 「くり返しくり返し」. I realize this is a
stilted example, but I'd like to nip any possibility of confusion down the
line by understanding the mark completely from the start.




It is a matter of memorization.  
You must already be familiar with the word or phrase to read it properly the
first time.

However, because other marks for single character repetition already exist,
you can be sure that you'll have to repeat at least two characters.

[![enter image description
here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/5uxPn.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/5uxPn.jpg)




It is a matter of memorization.  
You must already be familiar with the word or phrase to read it properly the
first time.

However, because other marks for single character repetition already exist,
you can be sure that you'll have to repeat at least two characters.

[![enter image description
here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/5uxPn.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/5uxPn.jpg)

