多半

• Pinyin: duō bàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 多 = two 夕 (evening) — many; 半 = 八 (divide) + 牛 (ox) — half of an ox

Meaning

Most likely; probably; more than half. Indicates high probability or the greater part of something.

As an adverb, 多半 expresses probability similar to 'most likely' or 'probably.' As a quantifier, it means 'more than half' or 'the majority.' Often used to make educated guesses based on evidence or experience. More colloquial than 大概 in expressing likelihood.

Examples

1. 天这么阴，多半要下雨了。 The sky is so overcast, it's probably going to rain.
2. 他还没回复消息，多半是在开会。 He hasn't replied to the message yet, he's most likely in a meeting.
3. 这件事多半是他干的，其他人没有动机。 This was most likely done by him; no one else has a motive.

Usage Guide

Context: speculation, daily conversation, reasoning

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 他多半忘了今天的约会。(He most likely forgot about today's date.)
• 明天多半会晴天。(Tomorrow will most likely be sunny.)

Don't Say

• 我多半确定这是对的。(Contradictory — 多半 implies uncertainty, so don't combine with 确定)

Origin & History

Compound of 多 (many, much) and 半 (half). Together they express 'more than half,' which extended to mean 'probably' or 'most likely.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal