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    Chinese Grammar

    Fronted or topicalized element with a gapped clause

    Topic & Focus

    Explanation

    Chinese frequently moves a noun phrase to the front of a sentence to serve as the topic, leaving a gap in the clause where it would normally appear. This topic-comment structure is one of the most characteristic features of Chinese syntax. For example, 这本书我已经看过了 means "this book, I have already read (it)."

    Examples

    • 这件衣服我穿着太大了。

      Zhè jiàn yīfu wǒ chuān zhe tài dà le.

      This piece of clothing is too big on me.

    • 那部电影我看过两遍了。

      Nà bù diànyǐng wǒ kàn guò liǎng biàn le.

      I've already watched that movie twice.

    • 中文我觉得声调最难。

      Zhōngwén wǒ juéde shēngdiào zuì nán.

      With Chinese, I find the tones the hardest.

    Fronted or topicalized element with a gapped clause | Chinese Grammar