断句 (duàn jù), meaning “to punctuate” or “to segment a sentence,” is a compound word where each character contributes to its meaning. Let’s analyze the original structure and meaning of each component:

• 断 (duàn):
  • Original form: In oracle bone script, 断 depicted an axe (斤) cutting through a bone (骨). This symbolized severing or separating something.
  • Meaning: It conveys the idea of “to cut off,” “to break,” “to sever,” or “to interrupt.”

• 句 (jù):
  • Original form: In oracle bone script, 句 depicted a hand (又) holding a mouth (口), possibly representing speaking or uttering words.
  • Meaning: It originally referred to a “sentence” or a “phrase,” a unit of spoken or written language.

Combining the Components:

When combined, 断句 literally means “to cut off sentences” or “to break up phrases.” This accurately reflects the act of punctuation, where we use marks to divide a continuous stream of text into meaningful segments.

Evolution of Meaning:

While the original imagery of cutting or separating remains relevant, 断句 has evolved to encompass a broader understanding of punctuation:

• Adding punctuation marks: This includes inserting commas, periods, question marks, and other punctuation to clarify meaning and structure.
• Analyzing sentence structure: It also involves understanding the grammatical relationships between words and phrases to correctly segment a sentence.

Usage in Modern Chinese:

断句 is crucial for clear and effective communication in written Chinese. It helps readers understand the intended meaning and avoid ambiguity. It is used in various contexts:

• Editing and proofreading: Editors use 断句 to ensure texts are properly punctuated.
• Language learning: Students learn 断句 to improve their reading and writing skills.
• Ancient texts: Scholars use 断句 to interpret and analyze classical Chinese texts, which often lacked punctuation.

By understanding the original structure and meaning of its components, we can appreciate how 断句 effectively conveys the act of dividing language into meaningful units, enhancing clarity and comprehension.