diff --git a/shtab/__init__.py b/shtab/__init__.py
index 57c6ad1..fd8d7a7 100644
--- a/shtab/__init__.py
+++ b/shtab/__init__.py
@@ -414,7 +414,7 @@ def format_optional(opt):
 
     def format_positional(opt):
         return '"{nargs}:{help}:{pattern}"'.format(
-            nargs={"+": "*", "*": "*"}.get(opt.nargs, ""),
+            nargs={"+": "(*)", "*": "(*):"}.get(opt.nargs, ""),
             help=escape_zsh((opt.help or opt.dest).strip().split("\n")[0]),
             pattern=complete2pattern(opt.complete, "zsh", choice_type2fn)
             if hasattr(opt, "complete")