# Nginx: nginx: [emerg] directive "proxy_pass" is not terminated by ";" in /etc/nginx/sites-enabled/app:15

**Code:** `nginx: directive is not terminated by ";"` · **Category:** Nginx / Apache · **Seen on:** Nginx, Linux

A directive's arguments run into the next line because the `;` is missing (or a quote is unbalanced).

## Meaning

The error names the directive and line. Check for the missing semicolon at the end of that directive, an unclosed quote inside the value, or a stray `{`/`}`. Also "invalid number of arguments in X directive" means wrong argument count.

## Common causes

- Missing `;` at the end of the line
- Unclosed quote in a value
- Special characters not quoted (`$`, `;`)
- Wrong number of arguments
- Line break inside a value

## Quick fix

1. Add `;` to the named directive
2. Quote values with spaces/special characters
3. Run `nginx -t` after each change

## Detailed fix by platform

### Linux

1. `sudo nginx -t` prints the exact line

## How to diagnose

1. **Directive** — Named in message?
2. **Quote** — Balanced?
3. **Args** — Right count?

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Source: [WhatIsMyError](https://whatismyerror.com/errors/nginx-apache/nginx-directive-not-terminated-by-semicolon)