Translation guide
The prefix 'half-' in English often corresponds to Japanese words like 半 (han), 半分 (hanbun), or the prefix 半～ (han-). This guide covers how to express 'half' of something, 'half-' as a modifier, and related concepts.
Expressing that something is one of two equal parts of a whole, or 50%.
The most common and versatile word for 'half'. Can be used as a noun or adverbially.
ケーキを半分に切ってください。
Please cut the cake in half.
半分の人が賛成した。
Half of the people agreed.
Used in compound words or as a suffix meaning 'half'. Often seen in time expressions and measurements.
Means 'half' or 'middle', often used for abstract concepts like halfway through a period or process. More literary.
半ば諦めている。
I've half given up.
Describing something that is partly or incompletely something else, like half-baked, half-hearted, half-asleep.
The prefix 半 (han) attaches to nouns to mean 'half-' or 'semi-'. Very productive.
An adjective meaning 'half-hearted', 'half-finished', or 'neither one thing nor the other'. Often used negatively.
中途半端な気持ちでは成功しない。
You won't succeed with a half-hearted attitude.
Means 'half-baked', 'superficial', or 'shallow'. Stronger negative nuance than 中途半端.
生半可な知識では役に立たない。
Half-baked knowledge is useless.
Expressing 'half' in numerical contexts, like 1.5, half a liter, etc.
Referring to one part of a pair, like half of a pair of shoes, or a half-sibling.
Means 'one of a pair', 'one side'. Used for physical objects that come in twos.
靴下の片方が見つからない。
I can't find one of my socks (half of the pair).
Prefixes for half-sibling: 異母 (different mother) or 異父 (different father).
半 (han) is a bound morpheme used in compounds, while 半分 (hanbun) is an independent noun. Use 半分 for 'half' as a standalone concept, and 半 in compound words or as a prefix/suffix.
English 'half-' adjectives like 'half-hearted' often have idiomatic Japanese equivalents. Direct translation with 半～ may not be natural. Use established compounds or phrases like 中途半端な.
中途半端な努力
half-hearted effort