半 – Half (Han Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 半.
Kanji 半 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
半 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 半分 (hanbun – half) and 半年 (hantoshi – half a year). Also used standalone after time expressions to mean "half past," such as 九時半 (kuji han – half past nine).
半 Stroke Order – How to Write 半
半 is written with 5 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the top dot, then the horizontal stroke, then the vertical stroke, finishing with the two lower horizontal strokes.
Common Words Using 半 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 10 essential words that use the kanji 半, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 半
See 半 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
今、七時半です。
いま、しちじはんです。
Ima, shichiji han desu.
It is now half past seven.
このケーキを半分に切ってください。
この けーきを はんぶんに きってください。
Kono keeki o hanbun ni kitte kudasai.
Please cut this cake in half.
半年前に日本に来ました。
はんとしまえに にほんに きました。
Hantoshi mae ni nihon ni kimashita.
I came to Japan half a year ago.
試合の後半で逆転しました。
しあいの こうはんで ぎゃくてんしました。
Shiai no kouhan de gyakuten shimashita.
We came from behind in the second half of the match.
この靴は半額で買いました。
この くつは はんがくで かいました。
Kono kutsu wa hangaku de kaimashita.
I bought these shoes at half price.
Frequently Asked Questions About 半
What does the Kanji 半 mean?
半 means half. It is a common JLPT N5 kanji used for telling time and expressing quantities, as in 九時半 (kuji han, half past nine) and 半分 (hanbun, half).
What is the Onyomi reading of 半?
The Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading of 半 is ハン (han), as in 半分 (hanbun, half) and 半年 (hantoshi, half a year).
Does 半 have a Kunyomi reading?
半 does not have a common Kunyomi reading used in modern Japanese; it is read using its Onyomi ハン (han) in essentially all everyday contexts, including when telling time.
How many strokes does 半 have?
半 is written with 5 strokes.
Is 半 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 半 is part of the official JLPT N5 kanji list and is essential for telling time (e.g., half past the hour) and expressing halves and portions.
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