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Listing items in a series with the enumeration comma (、)
Structure
Item + 、 + Item + 、 + Item
Explanation
The enumeration comma (、) is used in Chinese to separate items in a list or series, similar to the regular comma in English lists. It is distinct from the clause-separating comma (，) and is used exclusively between parallel items. For example, 杭州、无锡或武汉 lists three cities separated by enumeration commas.
Examples
我去过北京、上海、广州和深圳。
Wǒ qùguò Běijīng, Shànghǎi, Guǎngzhōu hé Shēnzhèn.
I've been to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.
桌子上摆着苹果、香蕉、葡萄等水果。
Zhuōzi shàng bǎizhe píngguǒ, xiāngjiāo, pútáo děng shuǐguǒ.
On the table there are fruits such as apples, bananas, and grapes.
他喜欢游泳、跑步和打篮球。
Tā xǐhuān yóuyǒng, pǎobù hé dǎ lánqiú.
He likes swimming, running, and playing basketball.
我去过北京、上海、广州和深圳。
Wǒ qùguò Běijīng, Shànghǎi, Guǎngzhōu hé Shēnzhèn.
I've been to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.
桌子上摆着苹果、香蕉、葡萄等水果。
Zhuōzi shàng bǎizhe píngguǒ, xiāngjiāo, pútao děng shuǐguǒ.
On the table were fruits such as apples, bananas, and grapes.
他喜欢游泳、跑步和打篮球。
Tā xǐhuan yóuyǒng, pǎobù hé dǎ lánqiú.
He likes swimming, running, and playing basketball.