半数

• Pinyin: bàn shù
• Hanzi breakdown: 半 = half; 数 = number/count

Meaning

Half the number; fifty percent; half.

A more formal way of saying 'half' when referring to quantities or statistics. Often used in official reports, news, and academic contexts.

Examples

1. 调查显示，半数以上的受访者支持这项政策。 The survey shows that more than half of respondents support this policy.
2. 今年的毕业生中，有近半数选择继续深造。 Among this year's graduates, nearly half chose to pursue further studies.
3. 议案需要获得半数以上的票数才能通过。 The bill needs to receive more than half the votes to pass.

Usage Guide

Context: statistics, news

Tone: factual

Do Say

• 超过半数的人投了反对票。(More than half voted against.)
• 半数员工选择在家办公。(Half the employees chose to work from home.)

Don't Say

• 在口语中频繁用'半数'代替'一半' (In casual speech, use 一半 instead of 半数 — the latter sounds overly formal)

Origin & History

半 (half) + 数 (number). Half the number/count.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal