Topic-Comment Structure
Mandarin Chinese organizes information around topics rather than subjects, and sentences typically comment on a given topic. This guide walks you through how to identify topics and form natural comments.
Topic
The topic sets the scene for what the sentence is about and is often marked by de 的 or followed by a noun phrase. Think of the topic as "As for X..." which frames the ensuing comment.
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Comment
The comment provides information about the topic and can be a description, action, or evaluation. It follows the topic and delivers the sentence's main point.
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Using shì 是
Shì 是 is used to link a topic to a category, identity, or definitive attribute in the comment. It appears between the topic and a noun or nominal phrase.
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Using de 的
De 的 can turn modifiers into adjectives, attach possessives, or sometimes mark the end of a topic phrase so the comment can begin. It helps package descriptive information within the topic.
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When to Drop the Topic
Sometimes the topic is obvious from context and can be omitted so the sentence starts directly with the comment. Dropping the topic makes speech more natural and concise in everyday situations.
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Turning Comments into Questions
Questions often keep the topic and change the comment into a question form using particles like ma 吗 or structures like duōjiǔ 多久. This lets you ask about information while keeping the frame.
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Examples
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 🌆 上海，夜景很美。 | Shànghǎi, yèjǐng hěn měi. | Shanghai, the night view is very beautiful. |
| 🥡 上海的火锅，非常好吃。 | Shànghǎi de huǒguō, fēicháng hǎochī. | Shanghai’s hotpot is very delicious. |
| 🚇 地铁很方便，去哪里都快。 | Dìtiě hěn fāngbiàn, qù nǎlǐ dōu kuài. | The subway is very convenient, going anywhere is fast. |
| 🏮 外滩，灯光特别漂亮。 | Wàitān, dēngguāng tèbié piàoliang. | The Bund, the lights are especially beautiful. |
| ☕ 街角的咖啡店，人很多。 | Jiējiǎo de kāfēi diàn, rén hěn duō. | The coffee shop on the corner has many people. |
Summary
Mandarin frames sentences around a topic that sets the reference, followed by a comment that gives the main information. Mark topics with markers like de 的 when needed, use shì 是 for categorizing comments, and omit the topic when context makes it clear.
Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025