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    Chinese Grammar

    Using the colon：in Chinese punctuation

    Topic & Focus

    Structure

    Introductory phrase +：+ Explanation / Quote

    Explanation

    The Chinese colon：(冒号, màohào) is used to introduce direct speech, explanations, lists, or elaborations. It functions similarly to the English colon but uses the full-width character form standard in Chinese writing. It is especially common before quoted speech and after phrases like 他说 (he said).

    Examples

    • 他笑着说："今天我请客。"

      Tā xiào zhe shuō: "Jīntiān wǒ qǐngkè."

      He said with a smile, "It's my treat today."

    • 会议内容如下：首先讨论预算问题。

      Huìyì nèiróng rúxià: shǒuxiān tǎolùn yùsuàn wèntí.

      The meeting contents are as follows: first, discuss the budget issue.

    • 通知：明天下午两点开会。

      Tōngzhī: Míngtiān xiàwǔ liǎng diǎn kāihuì.

      Notice: There will be a meeting at two o'clock tomorrow afternoon.

    Using the colon：in Chinese punctuation | Chinese Grammar