In Cantonese, the word for “half” can be expressed in various ways depending on the context and formality. Whether you’re speaking casually with friends or need to use a more formal language, this guide will provide you with the essential vocabulary and phrases to express the concept of “half” in Cantonese.
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Formal Expressions:
If you need to communicate formally or in a professional setting, consider using these phrases:
“Yī bǎi bǎi shí wǔ fēnzhōng” – This translates to “one hundred and fifteen minutes.” In formal settings, the word “minutes” is commonly used to indicate “half” in Cantonese.
Example:
Person A: “几点开始会议?” (Jǐ diǎn kāishǐ huìyì?) – “What time does the meeting start?”
Person B: “下午两点开始，会议长达一百一十五分钟” (Xiàwǔ liǎng diǎn kāishǐ, huìyì zhǎngdá yī bǎi yī shí wǔ fēnzhōng) – “The meeting starts at 2 PM and will last for one hundred and fifteen minutes.”
Conversational or Informal Expressions:
In casual conversations, the following phrases are commonly used:
“Bànfēn（半分)” – This term literally translates to “half” in Cantonese and is commonly used to refer to the concept of “half” in a more casual or informal setting.
Example:
Person A: “今晚我们可以一起吃晚饭吗?” (Jīnwǎn wǒmen kěyǐ yīqǐ chī wǎnfàn ma?) – “Can we have dinner together tonight?”
Person B: “可以，我们七点去餐厅，吃半份面条吧!” (Kěyǐ, wǒmen qī diǎn qù cāntīng, chī bànfēn miàntiáo ba!) – “Sure, let’s go to the restaurant at 7 PM and have half a portion of noodles!”
Tips:
- When using “bànfēn” in casual conversations, it’s important to note that it usually refers to half of a serving or a portion.
- If you’re referring to half of a specific item, such as half of an apple, you can simply say “yī bàn gō” (一半个) or “yī bàn” (一半).
- Keep in mind that Cantonese is spoken differently in various regions. While these expressions should be understood universally, there might be slight regional variations in pronunciation or vocabulary.
It’s always helpful to practice speaking Cantonese with native speakers, as they can provide you with the most accurate and context-specific expressions for “half.”
Cantonese is a rich and vibrant language, and learning how to say “half” opens up various conversations and opportunities to connect with native Cantonese speakers. Remember to use the appropriate expression depending on the formality of the context, and don’t hesitate to explore further vocabulary related to quantities, servings, and fractions to enhance your Cantonese language skills!
