noun HSK 5
Traditional 括號
parentheses · brackets
Meaning
括号 refers to punctuation marks used to enclose supplementary or explanatory information in text. In Chinese, it can refer to various types of brackets including round parentheses ( ), square brackets [ ], curly braces { }, and angle brackets 《 》.
Usage
Native speakers use 括号 in both written and spoken contexts when discussing punctuation, editing, or mathematical notation. In everyday speech, people often specify the type: 圆括号 (round brackets), 方括号 (square brackets), etc. Common in academic, technical, and editorial contexts.
Examples
- 01请在括号里填写你的答案。'.Please fill in your answer inside the parentheses.
- 02这个句子需要加上括号来说明补充信息。.This sentence needs parentheses added to explain the supplementary information.
Characters
Measure words
- 对一对括号
- 个两个括号
Common collocations
- 圆括号round parentheses ( )
- 方括号square brackets [ ]
- 加括号to add parentheses
- 括号里inside the parentheses
Origin
The word combines 括 (to include/encompass) with 号 (mark/sign), literally meaning 'enclosing mark' or 'encompassing symbol,' which aptly describes the function of brackets to enclose text.