1. Full Stop (句号 "。")

We use a full stop at the end of a sentence that makes a statement or tells something.

Examples:

• 你好吗？ → Nǐ hǎo ma? (How are you?)
• 我很好。 → Wǒ hěn hǎo. (I am fine.)

2. Comma (逗号 "，")

We use a comma when we want to pause in the middle of a sentence or when we list things.

Examples:

• 我很好，你呢？ → Wǒ hěn hǎo, nǐ ne? (I am fine, and you?)
• 跑步，打篮球和跳舞。 → Pǎobù, dǎ lánqiú hé tiàowǔ. (Running, playing basketball, and dancing.)

3. Question Mark (问号 "？")

We use a question mark at the end of a sentence when we are asking a question.

Examples:

• 你喜欢什么运动？ → Nǐ xǐhuan shénme yùndòng? (What sport do you like?)
• 你喜欢跑步吗？ → Nǐ xǐhuan pǎobù ma? (Do you like running?)

4. Exclamation Mark (感叹号 "！")

We use an exclamation mark to show strong feelings like excitement, happiness, or surprise.

Examples:

• 你好！ → Nǐ hǎo! (Hello!)
• 谢谢，再见！ → Xièxie, zàijiàn! (Thank you, goodbye!)

Look at the sentences below and add the correct punctuation mark:

1. 你好吗 ☐
2. 我很 ☐ 好，你呢 ☐
3. 我喜欢踢足球 ☐
4. 你喜欢什么运动 ☐

Answers:

1. 吗？
2. 好，呢？
3. 球。
4. 运动？

• Use 句号 (。) at the end of a statement
• Use 逗号 (，) when pausing or listing items
• Use 问号 (？) when asking a question
• Use 感叹号 (！) to show excitement or strong feelings
• Always place the punctuation mark at the end of the words, not before them

In Tanzania, when a student writes a short message to a friend in Chinese — such as "祝你生日快乐！" (Happy birthday!) or "我很喜欢足球！" (I really like football!) — they use these punctuation marks to make their message clear and friendly. Using the correct punctuation helps the reader understand whether the sentence is a statement, a question, or an expression of excitement.