An apparatus for video decoding includes processing circuitry configured to receive a split direction syntax element, a first index syntax element, and a second index syntax element that are associated with a coding block coded with a triangular prediction mode. The coding block can be partitioned into two triangular prediction units according to a split direction indicated by the split direction syntax element. The first and second index syntax elements can indicate a first merge index and a second merge index to a merge candidate list constructed for the two triangular prediction units. The coding block can be reconstructed according to the split direction, the first merge index, and second merge index.