大半

• Reading: たいはん
• Romaji: taihan
• Kanji breakdown: 大 (tai) — great, big; 半 (han) — half
• Pronunciation: /ta.i.ha.n/

Meaning

Most of; majority; greater part. More than half of a given quantity or group.

A noun and adjectival noun meaning the majority or most of something. Slightly more formal than ほとんど (hotondo, almost all) and emphasises that something exceeds half. Often used with の to modify nouns: 大半の人 (taihan no hito, most people). Can also function adverbially.

Examples

1. 休みの大半は家で過ごした。 I spent most of my vacation at home.
2. 参加者の大半が賛成した。 The majority of participants agreed.
3. 給料の大半を家賃に使っている。 I spend most of my salary on rent.

Usage Guide

Context: statistics, daily conversation, writing

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 大 (tai, great/big) and 半 (han, half). Literally 'the greater half,' meaning the portion that exceeds the midpoint.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal