Here’s a detailed explanation of the usage of “半” (bàn) meaning ‘half’ in Chinese, along with examples:

半 (bàn) meaning ‘half’:

Usage: “半” (bàn) is a quantifier used in Chinese to indicate half of a whole or a specific portion. It is used to express the concept of ‘half’ in relation to time, quantity, or other measurements.

Example 1: 我等了半小时。(Wǒ děng le bàn xiǎoshí.) – “I waited for half an hour.”

Example 2: 他吃了半块蛋糕。(Tā chī le bàn kuài dàngāo.) – “He ate half a piece of cake.”

In these examples, “半” (bàn) is used to indicate a division of time or quantity, specifically referring to ‘half’ of the whole.

This pattern is commonly used in Chinese to express a division of time, quantity, or other measurements into halves. It helps to convey the idea of splitting something equally into two parts. Here are a few more examples:

• 我已经完成了一半的工作。(Wǒ yǐjīng wánchéngle yī bàn de gōngzuò.) – “I have already completed half of the work.”
• 这个杯子装了半杯水。(Zhège bēizi zhuāng le bàn bēi shuǐ.) – “This cup is filled with half a cup of water.”

By using “半” (bàn) meaning ‘half’, you can effectively express the division of a whole into equal parts, specifically referring to the concept of ‘half’. It helps to convey precision and clarity in describing measurements or portions in Chinese.

Dialogue

Person A: 现在几点了？

(What time is it now?)

(Xiànzài jǐ diǎnle?)

Person B: 差不多半八了。

(It’s about half past seven.)

(Chàbùduō bàn bāle.)

Person A: 我们还有半小时就要出发了。

(We have half an hour left before we need to leave.)

(Wǒmen hái yǒu bàn xiǎoshí jiù yào chūfāle.)

Person B: 好的，我会尽快准备好。

(Alright, I’ll prepare as quickly as possible.)

(Hǎo de, wǒ huì jǐnkuài zhǔnbèi hǎo.)

In this dialogue, “半” (bàn) is used to indicate ‘half’ or ‘half past’ when referring to time. Person B responds to Person A’s question about the time by stating that it is approximately half past seven. Person A then mentions that they have half an hour remaining before they need to depart. The use of “半” specifies the exact time, indicating the halfway point of the hour. It helps to convey the precise timing in the conversation.

Exercise

• Create your own sentences using “半” (bàn)