Punctuation Marks in the Chinese Language
Punctuation in Chinese serves a similar function to punctuation in other languages: it clarifies the structure and meaning of sentences. However, Chinese punctuation marks are unique in style and usage, having evolved to fit the language’s script and grammar. Below is an explanation of commonly used punctuation marks in Chinese, including their role and how they compare to English punctuation.
1. Full Stop (。)
In Chinese, a full stop is represented by a small circle (。), not a dot. It marks the end of a declarative sentence. Unlike English periods, which align with the baseline of text, the Chinese full stop is centered in the writing space.
Example:
Traditional: 耶和華上帝呼喚那人，對他說：「你在哪裡？」
Simplified: 耶和华上帝呼唤那人，对他说：「你在哪里？」
2. Comma (，)
The Chinese comma (，) functions much like the English comma. It separates elements within a sentence, such as items in a list or clauses in a complex sentence.
Example:
Traditional: 那人、女人和蛇都在園中。
Simplified: 那人、女人和蛇都在园中。
3. Enumeration Comma (、)
The enumeration comma (、) is unique to Chinese and is used specifically to separate items in a list. It is similar to the English comma but is restricted to lists.
Example:
Traditional: 蘋果、橘子、香蕉和葡萄。
Simplified: 苹果、橘子、香蕉和葡萄。
Translation: Apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes.
4. Quotation Marks (「」 and 『』)
Chinese quotation marks come in two forms: 「」(double angle quotes) and 『』(single angle quotes). The double quotes are used for direct speech or emphasis, while the single quotes often indicate quotations within quotations. These quotation marks are not interchangeable with English quotation marks (” “).
Example:
Traditional: 耶和華說：「我要差遣你。」
Simplified: 耶和华说：「我要差遣你。」
Translation: The LORD said, “I will send you.”
5. Question Mark (？)
The question mark (？) is identical to its English counterpart and is used at the end of interrogative sentences. It is placed in the same position as in English.
Example:
Traditional: 你在哪裡？
Simplified: 你在哪里？
Translation: Where are you?
6. Exclamation Mark (！)
The exclamation mark (！) is also the same as in English, used to express strong emotion, emphasis, or commands.
Example:
Traditional: 快來看！
Simplified: 快来看！
Translation: Come and see!
7. Colon (：)
The colon (：) introduces explanations, examples, or quotations. It is used in direct speech before the quotation marks.
Example:
Traditional: 他說：「這是我的家。」
Simplified: 他说：「这是我的家。」
Translation: He said, “This is my house.”
8. Ellipsis (……)
The ellipsis (……) consists of six dots and is used to indicate omitted text, hesitation, or pauses. It is more extensive than the English ellipsis (…).
Example:
Traditional: 我在想……這是不是對的？
Simplified: 我在想……这是不是对的？
Translation: I am wondering…is this correct?
9. Parentheses (（）)
Chinese parentheses (（）) are identical to their English counterparts. They are used to enclose supplementary information.
Example:
Traditional: 他去了中國（北京）。
Simplified: 他去了中国（北京）。
Translation: He went to China (Beijing).
10. Dash (——)
The dash (——) is longer than the English dash and is used for pauses, interruptions, or explanatory remarks.
Example:
Traditional: 他說的話——真的很有道理。
Simplified: 他说的话——真的很有道理。
Translation: What he said—really made sense.
Clarity
Chinese punctuation marks enhance clarity and flow in writing, much like punctuation in other languages, but their forms and rules reflect the unique characteristics of the Chinese script. Mastering their use is essential for reading and writing Chinese effectively.