Common Punctuation Marks in Mandarin
Just like other languages, Chinese also has punctuation marks. However, there will be some slight differences from English. Let’s find out through this article
I. Full stop
Although the shape is slightly different from an English period, it has the same function.
II. Comma
A comma can be used in Chinese sentences similarly to how it can in English, however it cannot be used to enumerate a list, which is a significant difference. Another punctuation mark is offered for that.
III. Enumeration comma
When separating words that make up a list, the enumeration comma must be used in instead of the regular comma.
IV. Quotation mark
The quotation marks are completely different in Simplified and Traditional Chinese writing. In Simplified Chinese, the format is the same as in English: “… ‘…’ … ”. In Traditional Chinese, brackets are used instead: 「 …『…』… 」.
V. Colon
VI. Semicolon
VII. Question mark
VIII. Exclamation mark
IX. Brackets
X. Title mark
This punctuation, which is used for book, movie, and other title titles, literally means “book name mark.” Double angle brackets that are full width are used.
XI. Ellipsis
The ellipsis is written in Chinese with six dots, as compared to the three in English.
XII. Middle dot
Chinese separates characters in non-Han personal names with a middle dot. A middle dot is used between the first, middle, and last names when translating and writing a non-Han personal name.
