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    Chinese Grammar

    Using the left parenthesis（as an opening bracket

    Topic & Focus

    Structure

    （ + Supplementary content

    Explanation

    The Chinese left parenthesis（(全角括号) is used to introduce supplementary information, explanations, or examples within a sentence. It functions the same way as parentheses in English but uses the full-width character form standard in Chinese typesetting. It must always be paired with a closing）.

    Examples

    • 这个词的意思是"快乐"（形容词）。

      Zhège cí de yìsi shì "kuàilè" (xíngróngcí).

      The meaning of this word is "happy" (adjective).

    • 北京（中国的首都）有很多历史古迹。

      Běijīng (Zhōngguó de shǒudū) yǒu hěn duō lìshǐ gǔjì.

      Beijing (the capital of China) has many historical sites.

    • 他的成绩很好（尤其是数学）。

      Tā de chéngjì hěn hǎo (yóuqí shì shùxué).

      His grades are very good (especially in math).

    Using the left parenthesis（as an opening bracket | Chinese Grammar