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    Chinese Grammar

    Joining clauses with the comma (,) as a conjunction

    Connecting Ideas

    Structure

    Clause + , + Conjunction + Clause

    Explanation

    The full-width comma (,) in Chinese can function as a light conjunction, joining two related clauses within a single sentence. It often pairs with conjunctions like 但 (but) or 并 (and) to show contrast or addition between clauses. This usage helps create longer, more complex sentences in both spoken and written Chinese.

    Examples

    • 他很聪明,但有时候太懒了。

      Tā hěn cōngmíng, dàn yǒu shíhou tài lǎn le.

      He's very smart, but sometimes too lazy.

    • 天气很好,我们出去走走吧。

      Tiānqì hěn hǎo, wǒmen chūqù zǒuzou ba.

      The weather is nice, let's go out for a walk.

    • 她不仅会说英语,并且法语也说得很好。

      Tā bùjǐn huì shuō Yīngyǔ, bìngqiě Fǎyǔ yě shuō de hěn hǎo.

      She can not only speak English, but also speaks French very well.

    • 他很聪明,但有时候太懒了。

      Tā hěn cōngmíng, dàn yǒu shíhòu tài lǎn le.

      He is very smart, but sometimes too lazy.

    • 天气很好,我们出去走走吧。

      Tiānqì hěn hǎo, wǒmen chūqù zǒuzou ba.

      The weather is nice; let's go out for a walk.

    • 她不仅会说英语,并且法语也说得很好。

      Tā bùjǐn huì shuō Yīngyǔ, bìngqiě Fǎyǔ yě shuō de hěn hǎo.

      She can not only speak English, but also speaks French very well.