How to use 半
半 + Measure Word + Noun / Number + Measure Word + 半 + Noun
半 means half, but its position depends on what quantity is being expressed. For half of a counted unit, it commonly comes before the classifier and noun. When adding half to a whole-number quantity, the numeral comes first, followed by the classifier and 半 before the noun in many familiar patterns.
Some units, especially 天 and 年, combine directly with numbers without 个. Their whole-and-half forms place 半 after the unit. Learn the complete unit expression rather than inserting a classifier wherever English uses an article. These arrangements measure quantities and durations; the separate clock-time expression with 点半 has its own conventional form. Identify the unit first, then choose the appropriate position for 半.
Examples with pinyin and English
半个小时
half an hour
一个半小时
one and a half hours
半个月
half a month
一个半月
one and a half months
半天
half a day
一天半
one and a half days
一年半
one and a half years
What to remember
- Half a unit starts with 半.
- Whole-and-half forms depend on the unit.
- 天 and 年 do not require 个.
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Source and editorial notes
Explanation and examples written for Laowai using the grammar curriculum as a topic reference. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
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