Meanings of 一半
By ear
Play it, then pick what 一半 means.
About 一半
Podcast: 一半
Podcast: 一半
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 一半
二分之一 (èr fēn zhī yī) - use 一半 (yī bàn) for a simpler, more conversational reference to half, while 二分之一 (èr fēn zhī yī) is more formal or mathematical.
Learners often confuse 一半 with other terms for 'half' or mispronounce it. It's important to note that 一半 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts. Common collocations include 一半的时间 (yī bàn de shí jiān) meaning 'half the time' and 一半的价格 (yī bàn de jià gé) meaning 'half the price.'
This word is relevant for HSK Level 2 learners. Students should focus on recognizing and using it in simple sentences, particularly when describing amounts or comparisons, as it complements vocabulary related to quantities and measurements.
Learners sometimes say '一半的一个' (yī bàn de yī gè) when trying to refer to 'half of one,' which is incorrect. It should simply be '一半' (yī bàn) without '一个' to indicate half of something.
Pronunciation of 一半
Drill the tone of 一半 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 一半 to You
Let me explain 一半 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 一半 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 一半?
Learning Lab
Knowing 一半 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component Characters
How to say half in Chinese
“half” in Chinese is一半
一半 (yī bàn) means 'half' and is commonly used to refer to one part of something that is divided into two equal parts. This term can be used in various contexts, such as talking about portions of food, time, or quantities.
When to use 一半
Learners often confuse 一半 with other terms for 'half' or mispronounce it. It's important to note that 一半 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts. Common collocations include 一半的时间 (yī bàn de shí jiān) meaning 'half the time' and 一半的价格 (yī bàn de jià gé) meaning 'half the price.'
一半 or something close to it
二分之一 (èr fēn zhī yī) - use 一半 (yī bàn) for a simpler, more conversational reference to half, while 二分之一 (èr fēn zhī yī) is more formal or mathematical.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes say '一半的一个' (yī bàn de yī gè) when trying to refer to 'half of one,' which is incorrect. It should simply be '一半' (yī bàn) without '一个' to indicate half of something.
Write 一半
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 一半 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 一半?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 一半
You can say '这个蛋糕我吃了一半' (zhè ge dàn gāo wǒ chī le yī bàn), meaning 'I ate half of this cake.'
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 一半?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.