반
ban[pa̠(ː)n]
In Korean, the word for half is 반 (ban).
반 is used as a noun to refer to one of two roughly equal parts into which something is divided. It can also function as an adjective meaning consisting of a half. This word is frequently used as a prefix in time-related expressions, such as in 반년 (half a year).
Meaning: one of two roughly equal parts into which anything may be divided (noun)
Which one should you use?
절반 is typically used in more formal contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that something is 'halfway' or 'about half' completed or open, you can use the adverbial form 반쯤.
How do you pronounce it?
ban
Did you know?
- In Korean, 반 is the root for the word 반전, which means a 'plot twist'. It literally translates to a 'half-turn' or 'reversal'.
- Korean speakers often use 반반 (half-half) when ordering food, such as 'half-and-half' fried chicken with half original and half seasoned. It is a common way to express a desire for both options.
- In a school context, 반 refers to a 'class' or a 'homeroom group' rather than a fraction. This is because the word comes from a different Chinese character meaning 'rank' or 'group'.
Examples in context
- 반년 전부터 금연하고 있다.I quit smoking half a year ago.This sentence shows how to use 반 to describe a period of time (half a year).Tatoeba #10576583 by ssuss32, translation #895805 by pauldhunt
- 톰의 눈꺼풀은 반쯤 떠져 있었다.Tom's eyelids were half open.This sentence demonstrates the use of 반 to describe an amount of openness.Tatoeba #13755227 by qlTmalffk, translation #2643132 by CK
- 그는 우리를 반년 동안 지도해왔다.He has coached us for half a year.This sentence provides an example of using 반 in a time-related context.Tatoeba #3681097 by JangSungHyuk, translation #297421 by CK
- 나는 사과를 반으로 자르고 반을 먹었어요.I cut the apple in half and ate half of it.
- 오늘 시험에서 절반을 맞췄어요.I got half of the questions right on today's exam.
- 저희 동호회 회원 수는 전체 회원의 반에 불과합니다.The number of members in our club is only half of the total members.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Subin and Dohyun are sharing a piece of cake.
- 수빈 Su-bin이 케이크 반만 먹을래?i keikeu banman meogeullae?Do you want to eat half of this cake?
- 도현 Do-hyeon응, 정확히 반으로 나눠 줘.eung, jeonghwakhi baneuro nanwo jwo.Yes, please divide it exactly in half.
- 수빈 Su-bin자, 여기 네 반이야.ja, yeogi ne ban-iya.Here, this half is yours.
- 도현 Do-hyeon고마워, 수빈아!gomawo, Subin-a!Thanks, Subin!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “half” translations and entries 반, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
