The topic-comment structure of sentences
A typical Chinese sentence has a linear structure but in a different order to an English sentence. This is called the topic-comment structure. It literally means that the topic part of the sentence, that indicates the theme of the statement, comes first while the comment part, that holds the added information, comes second. These two parts might not have grammatical links, but they are connected semantically as shown in the following examples
我选的这套房子面积最大。The flat I chose is the biggest. (lit. The flat I chose | the size is the biggest.)
'Being of the biggest size' is the comment or added information that the speaker wants to give about the flat that he chose, which is the topic or theme of the sentence.
这套房子我们还没看过。We haven’t looked at this flat yet. (lit. This flat | we have not yet looked at.)
另一套大小合适，但是价格偏高。The other one is of a suitable size, but it’s more expensive. (lit. The other one | the size is suitable, but the price is a bit high.)
这三套房子我觉得都不错。I think these three flats are all quite good. (lit. These three flats | I think are all quite good.)
Topic-comment structure (1)
Complete each sentence by matching the second part to its first part. You can click on the audio buttons to hear the whole sentences. Focus on each correct sentence to consolidate your understanding of the topic-comment structure. You can also click on 帮助 to access the English translation of each complete sentence.
toggle translations
1. I will organize some visits for you. (lit. House visits | I will organize for you.)
2. This flat is too small. (lit. This flat | total size is too small.)
3. Small-scale one-bedroom flats are very popular among ‘Single Nobles’. (lit. Small-scale one-bedroom flats | very well received by ‘Single Nobles’.)
4. The property management service and security guard of Anyang Apartment Complex are very good. (lit. Anyang Apartment Complex | property management service and security guard are very good.)
5. Shall we take a look at the others first? (lit. We take a look at the others | OK or not?)
6. Do you have anything else to show me? (lit. Do you have anything else | I can take a look?)
7. I have viewed all three flats. (lit. Three flats | I’ve viewed all.)
8. The one I chose is the biggest. (lit. The one I chose | the size is the biggest.)
Topic-comment structure (2)
Translate the following sentences into Chinese to practise the topic-comment structure. The first click on 帮助 gives you the literary English version, the second one, the sentence’s jumbled keywords, and the third one the full sentence. You can also click on the audio button to hear the full sentence. Compare your entries with the sample answers.
hint 1
1. This apartment complex is beautiful and quiet.
lit. This apartment complex | very beautiful, also very quiet.
hint 4
4. The one I chose is fully furnished.
lit. The one I chose | furniture equipment is complete.
hint 5
5. There are many people viewing this flat.
lit. This flat | people who view | a lot.
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