noun
partial wake; vigil not lasting the full night
A wake or vigil that does not continue through the entire night, in contrast to a full 通夜 (つや).
See also: 通夜
葬儀の前日、半通夜が行われた。
A partial wake was held the day before the funeral.
半通夜は夜遅くまで続いたが、明け方までは行われなかった。
The partial wake continued late into the night, but was not held until dawn.