The Kanji: 半 (Naka.ba/Han) - The "Half" Kanji
The kanji "半" is a fundamental character representing the concept of "half," "middle," or "semi-." It perfectly illustrates the idea of division into two equal parts.
1. Meaning and Usage
Core Meanings: Half; middle; semi-; partly.
Readings:
Kun'yomi (Japanese reading): なか.ば (nakaba)
On'yomi (Chinese reading): ハン (han)
Common Words and Compounds:
半分 (はんぶん / hanbun) - Half
半額 (はんがく / hangaku) - Half-price
前半 (ぜんはん / zenhan) - First half
半島 (はんとう / hantō) - Peninsula (half-island)
一時半 (いちじはん / ichijihan) - 1:30 (one o'clock and a half)
2. Writing and Stroke Order: The Act of Splitting
The correct kanji writing for "半" is beautifully simple and directly represents its meaning of division. Its stroke order is logical and easy to master.
Stroke Order:
Stroke 1: A right dot.
Stroke 2: A short horizontal stroke.
Stroke 3: A long horizontal stroke, parallel to and below the second stroke. This is the main horizontal line.
Stroke 4: A vertical stroke that starts above the top strokes, cuts through the center of both horizontal strokes, and extends straight down to the bottom.
Significance of Correct Kanji Writing:
Visual Division: The long vertical stroke (4) acts as a blade, cleanly splitting the two horizontal strokes in half. This is a perfect example of how the form of a kanji can directly represent its meaning.
Balance and Symmetry: The two dots at the top and the two horizontal strokes must be balanced on either side of the central vertical line. This symmetry reinforces the concept of equal division.
Foundation for Recognition: Mastering this simple, balanced structure helps in distinguishing it from similar kanji like 平 (flat, peace) or 干 (dry).
3. Historical Origin and Evolution
The history of "半" is remarkably clear and consistent, showing an ancient and practical method of division.
Oracle Bone Script (甲骨文字):
The original character was a vivid and logical pictograph. It depicted an ox (牛) split down the middle by a line, representing the act of dividing the animal into two equal halves. This was a common and practical practice in ancient agricultural societies, both for food distribution and for ceremonial sacrifices.
Bronze Script (金文) & Seal Script (篆書):
The form became more stylized. The representation of the "ox" (牛) at the top became more abstract, and the dividing line through it remained the central, defining feature of the character.
Modern Form (楷書):
The modern "半" is a clean and direct abstraction of its ancient form.
The top part (the two dots and short horizontal) is the simplified, modern remnant of the ox (牛) character.
The long horizontal stroke represents the base or the whole object.
The powerful central vertical stroke remains the symbol of division, cleanly cutting the whole into two equal parts.
Philosophical and Cultural Connection:
"半" embodies a fundamental concept of measurement and balance. It represents not just a mathematical half, but the idea of the middle point, a point of balance between two extremes. This can be seen in words like:
中途半端 (ちゅうとはんぱ / chūtohanpa) - Half-finished; half-hearted (Literally "middle-way-half").
半信半疑 (はんしんはんぎ / hanshin-hangi) - Half-convinced, half-doubting.
The character teaches that to understand a whole, one must often understand its division into parts.
Summary
The kanji "半" is a character of elegant simplicity and profound meaning. It began as a literal drawing of an ox divided into two equal parts and evolved into the universal symbol for "half." Mastering its stroke order is a fundamental step in Japanese kanji writing, as it perfectly demonstrates how the physical act of writing a character can mirror its conceptual meaning. When you learn how to write kanji like "半," you are not just learning a word for "half"; you are learning a character that encapsulates an ancient, practical act of division and the timeless concept of balance and symmetry.