半年
hantoshi
In Japanese, 'six months' is translated as 半年 (hantoshi).
The phrase refers to a period of time lasting half of a year.
Which one should you use?
While 半年 is the standard way to express this, the form 六箇月 (muikagetsu) is used in more formal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can modify 半年 to express different nuances of time. Adding the particle に (ni) allows you to express frequency, such as 'once every six months' (半年に１回). Adding 分 (bun) indicates a quantity or amount corresponding to a six-month period, such as 'six months' worth' (半年分).
How do you pronounce it?
hantoshi
Did you know?
- When using 半年 with the verb 経つ (tatsu) to say six months have passed, the verb literally means 'to stand' or 'to elapse' like a physical marker.
- Using 六ヶ月 instead of 半年 in a casual conversation can make a speaker sound like they are counting individual units on a calendar rather than viewing the time as a single block.
- While 半年 refers to the duration, the formal counter 箇月 used in 六箇月 is almost never spoken aloud in casual settings and is primarily reserved for the eyes of a reader in legal contracts.
Examples in context
- 半年前に帝王切開しました。I had a Caesarian section six months ago.This sentence uses 半年 to indicate a point in time in the past.Tatoeba #121256 by KK_kaku_, translation #282750 by sundown
- 部屋代は半年分支払い済みだ。The rent is paid for six months.This sentence uses 半年 with 分 to indicate a quantity of rent.Tatoeba #84090 by bunbuku, translation #319626 by CK
- 半年に１回定期検診に来てください。You must come every six months for a check-up.This sentence uses 半年 with に to express frequency.Tatoeba #121258 by tommy__san, translation #282748 by CK
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are talking about their language learning goals.
- 結衣 Yui半年で日本語を話せるようになりたいです。Hantoshi de nihongo o hanaseru you ni naritai desu.I want to be able to speak Japanese in six months.
- 陽太 Yotaそれはすごい目標だね。Sore wa sugoi mokuhyou da ne.That is an impressive goal.
- 結衣 Yui毎日勉強すれば可能だと思います。Mainichi benkyou sureba kanou da to omoimasu.I think it's possible if I study every day.
- 陽太 Yota応援しているよ、結衣。Ouen shite iru yo, Yui.I'm rooting for you, Yui.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
