後半

• Reading: こうはん
• Romaji: kouhan
• Kanji breakdown: 後 (kou/go/ato/ushi) — after, behind; 半 (han/naka) — half
• Pronunciation: /koː.haɴ/

Meaning

Second half; latter half. The later portion of a time period, event, or work.

A noun for the later half of something. Natural pair of 前半 (zenhan, first half). Used widely: 試合の後半 (shiai no kouhan, second half of a match), 30代後半 (sanjuudai kouhan, late thirties). Very frequent in sports, age descriptions, and narrative discussions.

Examples

1. 後半に逆転ゴールが決まった。 A comeback goal was scored in the second half.
2. 今月の後半に旅行する予定だ。 I'm planning to travel in the latter half of this month.
3. 小説の後半で物語が大きく動いた。 The story took a major turn in the second half of the novel.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, time periods, narratives

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 後 (kou, after/behind) and 半 (han, half). Literally 'the rear half', indicating the latter portion of a divided whole.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal