Definition
半 (bàn) is used before a measure word or number to mean 'half of' (半杯水 'half a glass of water'), or after a number to mean 'and a half' (三个半 'three and a half'). 一半 (yī bàn) is a separate word meaning 'one half' and is used like a noun (一半的水 'half of the water'). 半 can also be an adverb meaning 'partially' (半开 'half open').
numeral
half(used before a measure word or number) half of(after a number) and a half
adverb
halfpartially
Easily confused
- 羊yánglook-alikesheep; goat (generic term)
- 办bànsound-aliketo handle, to manage, to deal with (affairs)
- 用yònglook-aliketo use
- 搬bānsound-aliketo move (a heavy or bulky object); to relocate (one's home)
- 胖pànglook-alikefat; plump (referring to a person's body)
- 班bānsound-alike(noun) class, grade (in school)
- 拌bànlook-aliketo mix (ingredients); to toss (a salad)
- 版bǎnsound-alike(noun) edition, version (of a book, software, etc.)
- 绊bànlook-aliketo trip, to stumble
- 伴bànsound-alikecompanion, partner, associate
Examples
- 半。Wǒ chī le bàn gè píngguǒ.I ate half an apple.
- 。Wǒmen děng le bàn tiān.We waited for half a day.
- 半。Mén bàn kāi.The door is half open.
Grammar
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