Introduction to Topic-Comment
The topic-comment structure is one of the fundamental sentence patterns in Chinese grammar. It involves introducing the topic of the sentence first, followed by a comment about that topic. This structure is different from the typical subject-predicate sentence pattern in English and is very common in everyday Chinese conversation and writing.
In a topic-comment sentence, the topic sets the context or what the sentence is about, and the comment provides information or opinion related to that topic.
What is the Topic in Chinese?
The topic in Chinese is the part of the sentence that the speaker wants to talk about or highlight. It is usually something already known, assumed, or the main focus of the sentence.
Topics can be nouns, noun phrases, or even entire clauses. The comment then gives new information about that topic.
这本书，我已经看过了。
Zhè běn shū, wǒ yǐjīng kàn guò le.
This book, I have already read.
Here, 这本书 (this book) is the topic, followed by the comment 我已经看过了 (I have already read).
Position of the Topic in a Sentence
The topic usually appears at the very beginning of the sentence, before the comment. It is often separated by a pause or a slight intonation change in spoken Chinese, marked by a comma in writing.
Sometimes, the topic is followed by a pronoun or subject that refers back to it, especially in longer sentences.
苹果，我不喜欢吃。
Píngguǒ, wǒ bù xǐhuān chī.
As for apples, I don't like to eat them.
Notice the topic 苹果 (apples) comes first, then the comment follows.
Topic vs Subject
In English, the subject usually performs the action of the verb. In Chinese, the topic may or may not be the subject of the comment. The topic is what the sentence is about, while the subject is the doer of the action within the comment.
Sometimes, the topic and subject are the same, but often the topic sets the frame, and the subject appears later in the comment.
| Sentence | Topic | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 这本书，我很喜欢。 | 这本书 (This book) | 我 (I) |
| 天气，今天很冷。 | 天气 (The weather) | - (No specific subject, comment is about the topic) |
Common Types of Topics
Topics can be:
- Nouns or Noun Phrases: Specific items or people.
- Pronouns: When referring to something already known.
- Time or Place Expressions: To set the scene.
- Clauses: Entire ideas can be topics.
昨天，我去了公园。
Zuótiān, wǒ qù le gōngyuán.
Yesterday, I went to the park.
他这件事，我已经知道了。
Tā zhè jiàn shì, wǒ yǐjīng zhīdào le.
As for this matter of his, I already know.
Example Sentences
我的朋友，他很喜欢打篮球。
Wǒ de péngyǒu, tā hěn xǐhuān dǎ lánqiú.
My friend, he really likes playing basketball.
这个问题，我们需要讨论。
Zhège wèntí, wǒmen xūyào tǎolùn.
This problem, we need to discuss it.
书，我已经借给他了。
Shū, wǒ yǐjīng jiè gěi tā le.
The book, I have already lent it to him.
Practice Examples
Try to identify the topic and the comment in the following sentences:
北京，夏天很热。
Běijīng, xiàtiān hěn rè.
Beijing, summer is very hot.
他的汉语，我觉得很好。
Tā de Hànyǔ, wǒ juéde hěn hǎo.
His Chinese, I think is very good.
这部电影，我已经看过两次了。
Zhè bù diànyǐng, wǒ yǐjīng kànguò liǎng cì le.
This movie, I have already watched it twice.
Answer Key:
- 北京 is the topic; 夏天很热 is the comment.
- 他的汉语 is the topic; 我觉得很好 is the comment.
- 这部电影 is the topic; 我已经看过两次了 is the comment.
Tips for Remembering Rules
- The topic always comes first and sets the stage for the sentence.
- Look for a comma or pause, which often separates the topic from the comment.
- Remember that the topic is what the sentence is about, not necessarily the doer of the action.
- Practice identifying topics in everyday conversations or texts to get familiar with the pattern.
- Try making your own sentences by choosing a topic and then adding a comment to describe or express something about it.
Mastering the topic-comment structure will greatly improve your fluency and comprehension in Chinese, as it reflects natural Chinese sentence flow.