bun3半
Jyutpingbun3
Yalebun
Definition
Half; one of two equal parts.
colloquialnumberstime
How it's used
Unlike Mandarin where you might use 一半 as a noun, Cantonese speakers frequently use 半 directly as a prefix before a measure word or noun. It functions as a quantifier that implies division into two equal parts. When referring to time, it is almost always paired with 鐘 to denote duration.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly add 一 before 半 when it is not necessary. While 一半 is used to mean 'one half' as a concept, saying 一半個鐘 is unnatural; simply use 半個鐘.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
