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    Chinese Grammar

    Extracting an argument to a non-local position

    Emphasis
    Topic & Focus

    Explanation

    In Chinese, an argument such as an object or subject can be moved from its usual position to the front of a sentence for emphasis or in question formation. This creates a gap in the original position, similar to topicalization or WH-movement in linguistic terms. The displaced element is understood as filling the role it would have played in its original position.

    Examples

    • 这种事情我真的没见过。

      Zhè zhǒng shìqíng wǒ zhēn de méi jiàn guò.

      I've really never seen this kind of thing before.

    • 那本书你看完了吗?

      Nà běn shū nǐ kàn wán le ma?

      Have you finished reading that book?

    • 什么时候出发你决定吧。

      Shénme shíhòu chūfā nǐ juédìng ba.

      You decide when to set off.

    Extracting an argument to a non-local position | Chinese Grammar