1.
comma; the punctuation mark 、
The Japanese comma (、), used to separate clauses and items in a sentence. One of the two basic punctuation marks in Japanese writing, alongside the period (句点).
ここに読点を打ってください。
Please put a comma here.
読点の位置で文の意味が変わることがある。
The meaning of a sentence can change depending on where the comma is placed.
日本語の作文では、読点と句点の使い分けに気をつけなければならない。
In Japanese composition, you must be careful about the proper use of commas and periods.
The Japanese comma 「、」is called 読点. Used to separate clauses and items in a sentence.
PUNCTUATION PAIR:
- 読点 「、」: comma
- 句点 「。」: period
- Together: 句読点 (punctuation marks)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 読点を打つ: to place a comma
- 読点の位置: comma placement
- 読点を入れる: to insert a comma
NOTE:
Comma placement in Japanese is more flexible than in English. Where to place 読点 affects readability and can sometimes change the meaning of a sentence. Horizontal writing uses 「、」while some formal or government documents use 「，」(Western-style comma).