How do I execute a single normal mode command inside a Neovim terminal buffer without fully leaving terminal mode?

Explanation

In a Neovim terminal buffer, <C-\><C-n> exits to normal mode permanently. But sometimes you only want to run one normal mode command and then immediately return to the terminal — without having to press i or a to re-enter it. <C-\><C-o> does exactly that: it executes a single normal mode command and drops back into terminal mode.

How it works

• While in a terminal buffer (insert/terminal mode), press <C-\><C-o>
• You are briefly placed in normal mode for one command
• After the command completes, you automatically return to terminal mode
• This mirrors <C-o> behavior in regular insert mode, applied to terminal mode

Example

You are typing in a terminal buffer and want to yank the current line to a register without interrupting your shell session:

<C-\><C-o>yy   → yank current line, then return to terminal mode
<C-\><C-o>"ayy → yank current line to register a, return to terminal mode
<C-\><C-o>G    → jump to end of terminal output, return to terminal mode

Compare:

• <C-\><C-n> — exit to normal mode (you must press i or a to resume the shell)
• <C-\><C-o> — run one command, return automatically

Tips

• Use <C-\><C-o>G to scroll to the bottom of terminal output and come back
• Use <C-\><C-o>"*y} to yank a paragraph of output to the clipboard
• This shortcut is only available in Neovim terminal buffers, not Vim's :terminal