半
bàn
Half
半 (bàn) is a common character meaning "half" or "a portion of something". It is used to indicate one half of a whole, or a significant but incomplete part.
What does 半 (bàn) mean?
半 (bàn) means “half” in English.
When to use it
Neutral. It is frequently used before nouns or measure words to specify "half of" something, or as part of compound words.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like "bahn" with a clear, strong falling tone.
Other ways to say it
- 一半yìbànone half, half
- 半小时bàn xiǎoshíhalf an hour
- 半价bànjiàhalf price
Examples
我只吃了一半。
wǒ zhǐ chī le yìbàn.
I only ate half.
我们等了半小时。
wǒmen děng le bàn xiǎoshí.
We waited for half an hour.
这本书我只读了半本。
zhè běn shū wǒ zhǐ dú le bànběn.
I've only read half of this book.
Pro tip: When used with a measure word, 半 usually comes before the measure word, like 半杯水 (half a cup of water), not 一杯半水.
Related phrases
一万 · Ten thousand第一 · First电话号码 · Phone number
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