At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to describe quantities. While 過半 (kahan) might look difficult because it uses two kanji, the idea is very simple: it means 'more than half.' Think of a pizza cut into two pieces. If one piece is slightly bigger than the other, that bigger piece is the kahan. In simple Japanese, we often say hanbun for 'half.' Kahan is just the formal way to say 'more than half.' You might see this word in very simple news headlines or on posters. For example, 'More than half of the students like apples.' Even if you don't use it every day, knowing it helps you understand that Japanese has special words for math and counting that are different from the words we use with friends. At this stage, just remember: 過 (Exceed) + 半 (Half) = More than 50%. It is a noun, so you usually put it after another word with 'no,' like kurusu no kahan (more than half of the class). This word is a great way to start learning how Japanese people talk about groups and numbers in a more 'grown-up' or official way. Don't worry about using it in casual chat yet; just try to recognize it when you see it in a book or on a sign.
At the A2 level, you are building your ability to talk about daily life and basic facts. 過半 (kahan) becomes useful when you want to report information more accurately. Instead of just saying 'many people' (takusan no hito), you can say yūken-sha no kahan (a majority of voters) to sound more precise. You will notice that kahan is often used in the compound word 過半数 (kahansū). The 'sū' at the end means 'number.' So, kahansū is 'the majority number.' You might hear this on the news when they talk about elections. For example, 'The Blue Party got the majority number of seats.' At A2, you should practice using the pattern [Group] no kahan ga [Action]. For instance, Gakusei no kahan ga pasokon o motte imasu (More than half of the students have computers). This is a very clear and professional way to present data. You should also start to notice the difference between kahan and hanbun ijō. Remember that kahan is for formal situations like news or meetings, while hanbun ijō is for talking about your lunch or your homework with a teacher or friend. Learning this word helps you move from basic 'survival' Japanese into 'information' Japanese.
As a B1 learner, you are entering the world of 'Intermediate' Japanese, where you need to understand and participate in more complex discussions. 過半 (kahan) is a key vocabulary item for this level because it appears constantly in media, business, and social issues. At B1, you should understand the logical necessity of kahan in decision-making. In Japan, many formal votes require a kahan to pass. You should be able to understand sentences like Kono hōan wa kahan no sansei de kaketsu sareta (This bill was passed with a majority in favor). You also need to be careful with the nuances. For example, kahan is strictly 'more than 50%,' whereas daibubun is 'the vast majority.' If you are writing an essay about a social trend, using kahan makes your argument sound more evidence-based. You might also encounter the phrase kahan ni tassuru (to reach a majority) or kahan o shimeru (to occupy/make up a majority). These 'collocations' (words that often go together) are very important for sounding natural at the B1 level. Try to use kahan when you are summarizing a survey or a news article. It shows that you have moved beyond simple descriptions and are now analyzing data in Japanese.
At the B2 level, you are expected to handle complex texts and technical discussions. 過半 (kahan) is no longer just a word; it’s a concept you must use with precision. You should be able to distinguish between kahan (a simple majority) and tokubetsu tasū (a special majority, like two-thirds). In business Japanese, you will use kahan when discussing corporate governance, such as kahan-ken (majority rights) or kahan-suu no gikei-ken (a majority of voting rights). You should also be comfortable with the negative form, kahan ni mitanai (falling short of a majority), and the political term kahansū-ware (losing the majority). At this level, your usage should reflect an understanding of register. You know that kahan belongs in a report, a news broadcast, or a formal debate, while taihan might be used in a more general editorial or a professional but slightly less rigid discussion. You should also be able to use kahan to describe abstract things like 'more than half of the time' or 'more than half of the project's progress.' Your ability to use kahan correctly in these varied contexts demonstrates that you have a strong grasp of both the language and the formal logic of Japanese society.
For C1 learners, 過半 (kahan) is a fundamental building block of sophisticated discourse. You should be able to interpret the strategic implications of kahan in political and legal texts. For example, in a deep analysis of Japanese election law, you would understand the difference between yūkyō kahan (a majority of valid votes) and other more specific types of majorities. You should also be able to use kahan in persuasive writing to provide a sense of objective authority. At this level, you might explore the etymological roots of the word and how it contrasts with more archaic or literary terms for 'majority.' You should be able to use kahan in complex grammatical structures, such as kahan o shimeru ni itatta keiyu (the process by which they came to occupy a majority). Furthermore, you should be sensitive to the tone it sets. Using kahan in a speech gives it a weight of statistical inevitability. You are also expected to recognize it in high-level literature where it might be used metaphorically to describe a life half-lived or a majority of one's experiences. Your mastery of kahan at C1 means you can use it not just to state a fact, but to frame an entire argument around the concept of a majority threshold.
At the C2 level, your understanding of 過半 (kahan) is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You are fully aware of its legal definitions in the Companies Act of Japan or the Civil Code, where kahan is the standard for 'ordinary resolutions.' You can navigate the nuances between kahan and kahansū in technical legal drafting, where one might refer to the proportion of value and the other to the number of heads. You should be able to discuss the philosophical and democratic implications of 'the tyranny of the majority' (tasū no bōsei) using kahan as the mathematical basis for that discussion. In high-level professional environments, you can use kahan to negotiate complex agreements, understanding exactly what 'more than half' implies for control and liability. You can also appreciate the word's appearance in historical documents or academic treatises on the evolution of Japanese governance. For a C2 learner, kahan is a tool for precision, a marker of formal register, and a key to understanding the structural logic of Japanese institutional life. You use it with total ease, whether you are drafting a contract, giving a keynote speech, or analyzing the results of a national referendum.

過半 30초 만에

  • 過半 (kahan) is a formal Japanese noun that means 'more than half' or 'majority'. It is composed of the kanji for 'exceed' and 'half'.
  • It is strictly mathematical, referring only to quantities greater than 50%. It is a staple of news, politics, business, and official reports.
  • Commonly seen in the compound 過半数 (kahansū), which refers to the majority number of people, votes, or seats in an organization.
  • Unlike the casual 'hanbun ijō', 過半 is used when precision and formality are required. It is rarely used in everyday casual conversations with friends.

The Japanese term 過半 (kahan) is a precise mathematical and formal noun that translates to "more than half" or "a majority." While in English we might loosely use "most" to describe anything from 51% to 99%, kahan specifically anchors itself to the concept of exceeding the 50% threshold. It is composed of two kanji: (ka), meaning to exceed or pass, and (han), meaning half. Together, they literally signify "exceeding the half." This word is indispensable in contexts where numerical precision matters, such as corporate governance, legal proceedings, political elections, and statistical reporting. Unlike the more colloquial 半分以上 (hanbun ijō), which can technically include exactly 50% (as ijō means "equal to or more than"), kahan excludes the 50/50 split entirely, focusing only on the tipping point into a majority.

Core Meaning
Specifically refers to a quantity exceeding 50% of the total, often used in formal or technical settings.

出席者の過半が賛成した。(More than half of the attendees agreed.)

In Japanese society, where consensus is highly valued, the concept of kahan serves as a definitive marker for decision-making. You will frequently encounter it in the compound 過半数 (kahansū), which means "the majority number." In business meetings, a motion might fail if it doesn't reach kahan. It is important to distinguish this from 大多数 (daitasū), which implies a "vast majority" or a large, non-specific bulk of people. Kahan is clinical and objective. If there are 100 people and 51 agree, that is kahan, even if it doesn't feel like a "vast majority." This precision makes it the preferred term for news anchors reporting on election results or analysts discussing market shares.

Kanji Breakdown
過 (Exceed) + 半 (Half) = To go beyond the halfway point.

議決には過半の賛成が必要です。(A majority vote is required for a resolution.)

Furthermore, kahan is used to describe physical or temporal proportions, not just people. For example, if a project is "more than half finished," one might say kahan o sugita. However, its most robust usage remains in the realm of collective agreement and statistics. In the context of the CEFR A1 level, while the word itself might seem advanced due to its kanji, the concept is fundamental. Learning it early helps students transition from basic conversational Japanese to the type of language used in media and professional environments. It provides a bridge between simple arithmetic and social logic.

その政党は議席の過半を占めている。(That political party holds more than half of the seats.)

Register
Formal, Academic, Journalistic. Rarely used in casual chats with friends where "hotondo" (mostly) or "hanbun ijō" (more than half) are preferred.

一年の過半が過ぎ去った。(More than half of the year has passed.)

株主の過半がその案を支持した。(A majority of shareholders supported the plan.)

Using 過半 (kahan) correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a noun that often acts like an adjective when paired with the particle no. The most common structure is [Noun] + の + 過半 or 過半 + の + [Noun]. For instance, yūken-sha no kahan (a majority of voters). It is also frequently seen in the compound 過半数 (kahansū), which is treated as a single unit meaning "majority number." When using kahan, the speaker is usually making a definitive statement about a threshold being crossed. It is not a word of estimation; it is a word of confirmation. You will often see it followed by verbs like 占める (shimeru - to occupy/account for), 達する (tassuru - to reach), or 超える (koeru - to exceed).

Common Verb Pairings
過半を占める (To occupy the majority), 過半に達する (To reach the majority), 過半を超える (To exceed the majority).

アンケート回答者の過半が女性でした。(More than half of the survey respondents were women.)

When using kahan in a sentence, pay attention to the level of formality. If you are writing a report or giving a presentation, kahan is perfect. However, if you are telling a friend that "most of the pizza is gone," using kahan would sound strangely stiff, like a lawyer describing a crime scene. In that case, hanbun ijō or hotondo would be much more natural. Another nuance is the use of kahan in legal contexts regarding "absolute majorities." In Japanese law, kahan is the standard for many types of voting. If a law requires kahan, exactly 50% is a failure to pass. This distinction is vital for anyone studying Japanese law or business.

Sentence Pattern
[Group] の [過半/過半数] が [Action/State]. (The majority of [Group] [Action/State].)

この地域の世帯の過半は車を所有している。(More than half of the households in this area own a car.)

In academic writing, kahan is used to discuss research findings. For example, "More than half of the participants showed improvement." This adds a layer of objective credibility to the statement. It is also used when discussing time. If you say jugyō no kahan ga owatta, you mean more than half the class time has elapsed. This usage is slightly less common than the numerical usage but still perfectly valid. In summary, use kahan when you want to emphasize the crossing of the 50% line in a serious or official capacity.

彼は全得票の過半を得て当選した。(He was elected with more than half of all votes.)

Negative Form
過半に満たない (kahan ni mitanai) - Falling short of a majority.

利益の過半を研究開発に投資する。(Invest more than half of the profits into R&D.)

その法案は過半の賛成で可決された。(The bill was passed with a majority in favor.)

If you turn on the 7 PM news on NHK, you are almost guaranteed to hear 過半 (kahan) or its cousin 過半数 (kahansū) within the first fifteen minutes, especially if it's an election season. Political analysts obsess over whether a party can secure a kahan of the seats in the Diet. This is because holding a majority is the prerequisite for picking the Prime Minister and passing legislation. In this context, kahan isn't just a number; it is power. You'll hear phrases like yo-tō ga kahan o kaku (the ruling party lacks a majority), which signals a potential political crisis or the need for a coalition. It’s a word that carries the weight of authority and governance.

News Context
Used to describe election results, parliamentary control, and public opinion polls.

与党は衆議院で過半を維持した。(The ruling party maintained a majority in the Lower House.)

In the corporate world, kahan is a staple of shareholder meetings (kabunushi sōkai). Investors and executives use it to discuss controlling interests. If a company owns kahan of another company's stock, they have a controlling stake. You might hear a CEO say, "Wagasha wa sono kōjō no mochi-bun no kahan o yūshite imasu" (Our company holds more than half of the stake in that factory). This is a very formal, high-stakes environment where precise language is required to avoid legal misunderstandings. Even in internal office memos regarding company-wide surveys or policy changes, kahan is the go-to term to indicate that a decision has broad support.

Business Context
Used in shareholder meetings, stock ownership discussions, and official corporate decision-making.

この企業は市場の過半を支配している。(This company dominates more than half of the market.)

Beyond politics and business, you will encounter kahan in academic lectures and scientific papers. If a researcher says that a kahan of the experimental group showed a specific reaction, they are providing a specific statistical fact. You might also hear it in documentaries about nature or history when discussing demographics or large-scale trends. While you won't hear it much in anime or manga unless the genre is political thriller or workplace drama, it is a word that fills the air in any space where serious, fact-based discussion is occurring. It is the language of the newspaper, the courtroom, and the boardroom.

人口の過半が都市部に住んでいる。(More than half of the population lives in urban areas.)

Academic Context
Used in research papers, sociological studies, and demographics to indicate statistical majorities.

売り上げの過半は海外市場によるものだ。(More than half of the sales come from overseas markets.)

その村の住人の過半は高齢者だ。(More than half of the village's residents are elderly.)

The most frequent mistake learners make with 過半 (kahan) is confusing it with 半分以上 (hanbun ijō). While they are very similar, hanbun ijō literally means "half or more," which includes exactly 50%. In a vote of 100 people, if 50 people say yes, that is hanbun ijō but it is NOT kahan. Kahan requires at least 51 people (or 50.01%). In legal and formal settings, this distinction is crucial. If you use kahan when you actually mean "exactly half," you are technically incorrect. Another common error is using kahan in overly casual settings. If you say "Piza no kahan o tabeta" (I ate more than half the pizza), it sounds like you're filing a police report about your lunch. Use hanbun ijō for everyday objects and casual conversations.

Kahan vs. Hanbun Ijō
Kahan: > 50% (Strictly more than). Hanbun Ijō: ≥ 50% (Half or more).

✕ 半分は過半ではない。(Half is not 'kahan'.)

Another mistake is the confusion between 過半 (kahan) and 大部分 (daibubun). Daibubun means "the majority" in the sense of "most" or "the greater part," and it usually implies a much larger percentage than just 51%. If 90% of people agree, daibubun is a very natural word to use. If only 51% agree, daibubun feels a bit exaggerated, whereas kahan is perfectly accurate. Use kahan when the specific threshold of 50% is the point of interest, and daibubun when you want to emphasize that a large, overwhelming portion is involved. Additionally, learners often forget that kahan is a noun and try to use it as a standalone adverb. It almost always needs a particle like no or ga to function in a sentence.

Kahan vs. Daibubun
Kahan: Precise (>50%). Daibubun: General (Most/Large part).

✕ 友達の過半が来た。(Correct but sounds like a formal report about your friends.)

Lastly, be careful with the word 半数 (hansū). Hansū means exactly half. While kahansū (majority) contains this word, they are opposites in a logical sense. Hansū is the 50% mark, and kahan is the space beyond it. If a news report says a party "failed to reach kahan," they might have reached hansū (exactly half), but they still lost their majority control. Understanding these subtle mathematical boundaries in Japanese vocabulary will help you navigate formal discussions with much more confidence. Always ask yourself: "Am I talking about a precise majority, or just 'most' things?" If it's the former, kahan is your best friend.

✓ 住民の過半が反対している。(A majority of residents are opposing.)

Summary of Misuse
1. Including exactly 50%. 2. Using in casual daily life. 3. Confusing with 'most' (daibubun).

✕ テストの過半ができた。(Sounds strange; use '半分以上'.)

✓ 賛成票が過半に達した。(The 'yes' votes reached a majority.)

Understanding 過半 (kahan) is easier when you compare it to its synonyms and related terms. Each word has a specific nuance that dictates when it should be used. The most direct relative is 過半数 (kahansū). While kahan can refer to a proportion of time or space, kahansū is strictly about "the number that constitutes a majority." In voting or counting people, kahansū is actually more common than kahan alone. If you are talking about the number of people who voted, use kahansū. If you are talking about the general concept of being "more than half," kahan works well.

過半 (Kahan) vs. 過半数 (Kahansū)
Kahan: General majority/proportion. Kahansū: Specific majority number (voters, seats, etc.).

委員の過半数が反対した。(A majority number of committee members opposed.)

Another important alternative is 大多数 (daitasū). This means "the vast majority" or "the great majority." Unlike kahan, which just barely crosses the 50% line, daitasū implies that a very large portion—perhaps 70%, 80%, or more—is involved. It is more descriptive and less mathematical. Then there is 大半 (taihan). This is a very common word in both formal and semi-formal Japanese. It means "most of" or "the better part of." It is slightly less rigid than kahan and is used frequently in daily life to mean "mostly." If you say "shigoto no taihan ga owatta" (most of the work is done), it sounds natural and professional without being overly clinical.

Similar Terms
大半 (Taihan) - Most of/Majority. 大多数 (Daitasū) - The vast majority. 半分以上 (Hanbun ijō) - More than half (includes 50%).

国民の大多数が平和を望んでいる。(The vast majority of citizens desire peace.)

For those looking for a very casual alternative, ほとんど (hotondo) is the best choice. It means "almost all" or "mostly." While kahan is for 51%, hotondo usually implies something much higher, like 90%. In a conversation with a friend, you'd say "hotondo no hito ga shitteru yo" (almost everyone knows), not "kahan no hito ga..." finally, for a more literary or high-level academic feel, you might encounter 過中 (kachū) or other specialized terms, but kahan remains the workhorse for official majority reporting. Choosing the right word depends on how much you want to emphasize the "50% plus one" rule versus just saying "a lot."

仕事の大半は片付いた。(Most of the work has been taken care of.)

Usage Selection
Use 'Kahan' for: Elections, board meetings, legal thresholds. Use 'Taihan' for: Progress, general majority. Use 'Hotondo' for: Casual 'mostly'.

参加者の半分以上が学生だった。(More than half of the participants were students.)

彼はクラスの過半の支持を得た。(He won the support of more than half the class.)

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The kanji '過' also appears in '過去' (past) and '過ち' (mistake). The logic is that a mistake is something that 'exceeds' the correct boundary, and the past is time that has 'passed by'.

발음 가이드

UK /kɑːhæn/
US /kɑhɑn/
Japanese has pitch accent rather than stress. 'Kahan' typically has a Low-High-High pattern (Heiban style).
라임이 맞는 단어
Gohan (Rice/Meal) Jikan (Time) Mikan (Mandarin orange) Fuan (Anxiety) Kiban (Foundation) Shiban (Trial) Tahan (Frequent) Yahan (Midnight)
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing 'ka' like 'kay'.
  • Adding a long vowel to 'han' (making it 'ha-an').
  • Stressing the first syllable like 'KAH-han'.
  • Confusing the pitch with 'kahan' (riverbank - though spelled differently).
  • Mumbling the 'n' at the end; it should be a clear nasal sound.

난이도

독해 3/5

The kanji are common but require knowledge of formal vocabulary.

쓰기 4/5

Writing '過' correctly requires attention to the stroke order of the radical.

말하기 2/5

Pronunciation is simple, but using it in the right context is the challenge.

듣기 3/5

Often heard in news, so recognition is key for intermediate learners.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

半分 (Half) 以上 (More than/Above) 数 (Number) 賛成 (Agreement) 反対 (Opposition)

다음에 배울 것

大多数 (Vast majority) 大半 (Most of) 可決 (Passing a bill) 否決 (Rejecting a bill) 占める (To occupy/account for)

고급

絶対多数 (Absolute majority) 相対多数 (Relative majority) 議決権 (Voting rights) 定足数 (Quorum) 委任状 (Proxy)

알아야 할 문법

Noun + の + Noun

出席者の過半 (Majority of attendees).

Subject Marker 'ga' with Quantities

過半が賛成した (The majority agreed).

Compound Nouns (Kango)

過半数 (Kahansū).

Verb 'shimeru' (to occupy)

過半を占める (To occupy the majority).

Negative 'mitanai' (to not reach)

過半に満たない (Does not reach a majority).

수준별 예문

1

クラスの過半が休みです。

More than half of the class is absent.

Noun + の + 過半 (kahan) + が

2

テストの過半は簡単でした。

More than half of the test was easy.

過半 (kahan) used to describe a portion of a task.

3

学生の過半が本を読んでいます。

More than half of the students are reading books.

Subject marker 'ga' follows 'kahan'.

4

リンゴの過半は赤いです。

More than half of the apples are red.

Describing physical objects.

5

一日の過半が過ぎました。

More than half of the day has passed.

Describing time.

6

参加者の過半は女性です。

More than half of the participants are women.

Topic marker 'wa' used with 'kahan'.

7

宿題の過半が終わりました。

More than half of the homework is finished.

Indicates progress.

8

お金の過半を使いました。

I used more than half of the money.

Direct object of the verb 'tsukaimashita'.

1

アンケートの結果、過半数が賛成しました。

As a result of the survey, a majority voted in favor.

Using the compound 'kahansū' (majority number).

2

この町の住民の過半は車を持っています。

More than half of the residents in this town own a car.

Noun + no + kahan (majority of residents).

3

会議で過半の支持を得ることができませんでした。

We were unable to gain a majority of support in the meeting.

Kahan no shiji (majority support).

4

売り上げの過半はインターネットによるものです。

More than half of the sales are through the internet.

Describing the source of revenue.

5

その政党は議席の過半を占めています。

That political party occupies more than half of the seats.

Kahan o shimeru (to occupy a majority).

6

一年間の過半を海外で過ごしました。

I spent more than half of the year abroad.

Kahan o sugoshita (spent more than half).

7

この本の内容の過半は歴史についてです。

More than half of this book's content is about history.

Naiyō no kahan (majority of content).

8

社員の過半が新しいルールに反対しています。

More than half of the employees oppose the new rule.

Shain no kahan (majority of employees).

1

過半数の賛成がなければ、この案は通りません。

Unless there is a majority in favor, this proposal will not pass.

Conditional 'nakereba' with 'kahansū'.

2

日本の人口の過半は都市部に集中しています。

More than half of Japan's population is concentrated in urban areas.

Kahan + wa + [Location] + ni + shūchū shite iru.

3

そのプロジェクトは、予算の過半をすでに使ってしまった。

That project has already used more than half of its budget.

Kahan o tsukatte shimatta (regretful completion).

4

出席者の過半がその意見に同意した。

A majority of the attendees agreed with that opinion.

Kahan ga ... dōi shita (past tense agreement).

5

株主の過半を味方につける必要がある。

It is necessary to get a majority of shareholders on our side.

Kahan o mikata ni tsukeru (to win over a majority).

6

彼は全得票の過半を得て、市長に選ばれた。

He was elected mayor with more than half of all votes.

Zen-tokuhyō no kahan (majority of all votes).

7

この薬の効果は、患者の過半に見られました。

The effect of this medicine was seen in more than half of the patients.

Kahan ni mirareru (observed in a majority).

8

人生の過半をこの仕事に捧げてきた。

I have dedicated more than half of my life to this work.

Jinsei no kahan (majority of life).

1

取締役会の過半数の決議により、社長が交代した。

The president was replaced by a majority resolution of the board of directors.

Kahansū no ketsugi (majority resolution).

2

法案の可決には、出席議員の過半の賛成を要する。

Passing the bill requires a majority vote from the attending members.

Kahan no sansei o yōsuru (requires a majority).

3

市場シェアの過半を握ることは、独占禁止法に触れる可能性がある。

Holding more than half of the market share may violate antitrust laws.

Kahan o nigiru (to hold/grasp a majority).

4

この地域の世帯の過半は、共働きである。

A majority of households in this region are dual-income.

Setai no kahan (majority of households).

5

彼の主張は、事実の過半を無視している。

His argument ignores more than half of the facts.

Jijitsu no kahan (majority of facts).

6

その政党は単独で過半数を確保することに成功した。

That political party succeeded in securing a majority on its own.

Tandoku de kahansū o kakuho suru (securing majority alone).

7

一日の過半を読書に費やす生活を送っている。

I live a life where I spend more than half of my day reading.

Kahan o ... tsuiyasu (to spend/consume more than half).

8

住民の過半の同意が得られず、ダムの建設は中止された。

The construction of the dam was cancelled because a majority of residents did not agree.

Kahan no dōi ga erarezu (majority consent not obtained).

1

議決権の過半を保有することで、実質的な支配権を確立した。

By holding more than half of the voting rights, they established substantial control.

Gikeiken no kahan (majority of voting rights).

2

世論調査によれば、国民の過半が憲法改正に慎重な姿勢を示している。

According to public opinion polls, more than half of the citizens show a cautious stance toward constitutional amendment.

Kahan ga ... shisei o shimeshite iru (showing a stance).

3

利益の過半を内部留保に回すという経営判断が下された。

A management decision was made to allocate more than half of the profits to internal reserves.

Kahan o ... ni mawasu (to allocate/divert more than half).

4

その理論は、現代物理学の過半を説明しうる画期的なものだ。

That theory is a breakthrough that can explain more than half of modern physics.

Kahan o setsumei shi-uru (capable of explaining a majority).

5

過半数割れの状態では、安定した政権運営は望めない。

In a state where the majority has been lost, stable government management cannot be expected.

Kahansū-ware (falling below majority threshold).

6

この論文の過半は、先行研究の批判に費やされている。

More than half of this paper is spent on the critique of previous research.

Ronbun no kahan (majority of the paper).

7

彼は人生の過半を異郷で過ごし、独自の感性を磨いた。

He spent more than half of his life in a foreign land and refined his unique sensibility.

Jinsei no kahan o ikyō de sugoshi (spent majority of life abroad).

8

組合員の過半の賛成により、ストライキが決行されることになった。

It was decided that a strike would be carried out following a majority vote of the union members.

Kumiai-in no kahan (majority of union members).

1

会社法第309条により、普通決議には過半数の賛成が要求される。

According to Article 309 of the Companies Act, an ordinary resolution requires a majority vote.

Statutory requirement phrasing.

2

絶対多数、すなわち過半を確保することは、民主主義における正当性の根拠となる。

Securing an absolute majority, that is, more than half, serves as the basis for legitimacy in a democracy.

Defining kahan as 'zettai tasū' (absolute majority).

3

その投資ファンドは、株式の過半を取得することで経営権の掌握を狙っている。

The investment fund is aiming to seize management control by acquiring more than half of the shares.

Kahan o shutoku (acquiring a majority).

4

歴史の過半は勝者によって記されるというが、敗者の沈黙にも耳を傾けるべきだ。

They say that more than half of history is written by the victors, but we should also listen to the silence of the losers.

Philosophical use of 'rekishi no kahan'.

5

労働者の過半を代表する者との間で、書面による協定を締結しなければならない。

A written agreement must be concluded with a person representing a majority of the workers.

Legal terminology 'rōdōsha no kahan o daihyō suru mono'.

6

全人類の過半がインターネットにアクセスできるようになった現代において、情報の格差は新たな課題だ。

In the modern era where more than half of all humanity has gained access to the internet, the information gap is a new challenge.

Zen-jinrui no kahan (majority of all humanity).

7

この都市の建物の過半は震災後に再建されたもので、街並みには新旧が混在している。

More than half of the buildings in this city were rebuilt after the earthquake, and the cityscape is a mix of old and new.

Tatemono no kahan (majority of buildings).

8

過半の賛成を得るための政治工作が、水面下で激化している。

Political maneuvering to secure a majority vote is intensifying behind the scenes.

Kahan no sansei o eru tame no seiji kōsaku.

동의어

大多数 大半 マジョリティ 大部分 過半数

반의어

少数 半数以下

자주 쓰는 조합

過半を占める
過半に達する
過半を超える
過半の支持
過半の賛成
過半を保有する
過半に満たない
過半の同意
過半を割る
過半を費やす

자주 쓰는 구문

過半数の原理

— The principle of majority rule. Used in political science and ethics.

民主主義は過半数の原理に基づいている。

過半数代表者

— A representative of the majority. A specific legal term in Japanese labor law.

過半数代表者を選出する。

過半数割れ

— Falling below a majority. Specifically used for political parties losing seats.

与党が過半数割れとなった。

過半数に届く

— To reach the majority mark. Used when counting toward a goal.

得票が過半数に届かなかった。

過半数労働者

— The majority of workers. Used in labor union contexts.

過半数労働者の意見を聞く。

過半の議席

— A majority of seats. Standard phrase in election reporting.

過半の議席を確保した。

過半の持分

— A majority stake/interest. Used in real estate or business ownership.

過半の持分を譲渡する。

過半の利益

— A majority of the profit. Used in financial discussions.

過半の利益を再投資する。

過半の期間

— The majority of the period. Used for time frames.

過半の期間を休職した。

過半の世帯

— A majority of households. Used in demographics.

過半の世帯が加入している。

자주 혼동되는 단어

過半 vs 半分以上 (Hanbun ijō)

Includes exactly 50%. Kahan is strictly > 50%.

過半 vs 大半 (Taihan)

A more general 'most of'. Less mathematically strict than kahan.

過半 vs 大多数 (Daitasū)

Implies a very large majority, not just a simple majority.

관용어 및 표현

"過半の理"

— The logic of the majority. The idea that the majority view should prevail.

過半の理に従うべきだ。

Formal
"過半を制する"

— To control the majority. To have the upper hand by winning over 50%.

彼は市場の過半を制した。

Formal/Strategic
"過半の壁"

— The 'majority wall'. A metaphorical barrier of reaching 51%.

過半の壁は厚かった。

Journalistic
"過半の力"

— The power of the majority. The influence gained by having more than half.

過半の力で押し切る。

Neutral
"過半の運命"

— The fate of the majority. Referring to the common destiny of most people.

過半の運命を共にする。

Literary
"過半の波"

— The wave of the majority. A trend supported by more than half.

過半の波に乗る。

Journalistic
"過半の座"

— The majority seat/position. Holding the dominant spot.

過半の座を奪い返す。

Political
"過半の眼"

— The eyes of the majority. Public scrutiny or consensus.

過半の眼にさらされる。

Literary
"過半の重み"

— The weight of the majority. The responsibility of holding the most power.

過半の重みを感じる。

Formal
"過半の道"

— The way of the majority. The path most taken.

過半の道を選ぶ。

Literary

혼동하기 쉬운

過半 vs 過剰 (Kajō)

Both start with 'Ka' (過).

Kajō means 'excessive' or 'too much', whereas kahan is 'majority'.

過剰な包装 (Excessive packaging) vs 過半の賛成 (Majority agreement).

過半 vs 半数 (Hansū)

Kahan contains 'han' and 'sū'.

Hansū is exactly 50%. Kahan is over 50%.

半数の人が来た (Exactly half the people came).

過半 vs 過失 (Kashitsu)

Both start with 'Ka' (過).

Kashitsu means 'negligence' or 'error'.

過失を認める (To admit a mistake).

過半 vs 前半 (Zenhan)

Both contain 'han' (half).

Zenhan means 'first half'. Kahan is 'more than half'.

試合の前半 (The first half of the match).

過半 vs 過度 (Kado)

Both start with 'Ka' (過).

Kado means 'excessive degree'.

過度なストレス (Excessive stress).

문장 패턴

A1

[A] の 過半 が [B] です。

クラスの過半が日本人です。

A2

[A] の 過半数 が [B] しました。

参加者の過半数が賛成しました。

B1

[A] の 過半 を [B] に 費やす。

時間の過半を勉強に費やす。

B2

[A] が 過半 を 占めている。

女性が過半を占めている。

C1

過半 の 賛成 を 得て [A] する。

過半の賛成を得て可決する。

C2

過半数割れ により [A] が 困難になる。

過半数割れにより政権運営が困難になる。

B1

過半 に 満たない 場合 は [A]。

過半に満たない場合は再投票を行う。

B2

過半数 を 確保 する ため に [A]。

過半数を確保するために連立を組む。

어휘 가족

명사

過半 (Majority)
過半数 (Majority number)
大半 (The better part)
前半 (First half)
後半 (Second half)

동사

過ぎる (To pass/exceed)
過ごす (To spend time)
過つ (To make a mistake - rare)

형용사

過剰な (Excessive)
過酷な (Harsh/Severe)
過度な (Excessive/Immoderate)

관련

半分 (Half)
過失 (Negligence)
通過 (Passage)
過去 (Past)
過程 (Process)

사용법

frequency

High in news, business, and law. Low in casual conversation.

자주 하는 실수
  • Using 'kahan' for exactly 50%. Use 'hansū' (半数) for exactly 50%.

    過 means exceed. You cannot exceed the half if you are exactly at the half.

  • Saying 'kahan no pizza' to a friend. Say 'piza no hanbun ijō'.

    Kahan is too formal for food or casual settings. It sounds like a legal document.

  • Using 'kahan' as an adverb (e.g., kahan ni tabeta). Use it as a noun (e.g., kahan o tabeta).

    Kahan is a noun, not an adverb. It needs proper particle usage.

  • Confusing 'kahan' with 'kajō' (excessive). Use 'kahan' for majority, 'kajō' for 'too much'.

    They share the first kanji but have completely different meanings.

  • Using 'kahan' when you mean 99%. Use 'daibubun' or 'hotondo'.

    While 99% is technically a majority, 'kahan' focuses on the 50% threshold. If it's nearly everyone, 'hotondo' is better.

Using 'No'

Always remember that 過半 is a noun. You usually need the particle 'の' to connect it to the group you are talking about, like 'Voters NO kahan'.

Precision Matters

Use 過半 when you want to be legally or mathematically precise. Use 大半 (taihan) when you just mean 'most' in a general way.

News Keyword

When you hear 'kahan' on the news, pay attention! It usually means a major decision has been made or a power shift has occurred.

Consensus vs Majority

In Japan, reaching a 'kahan' is the legal minimum, but many groups wait for 'zen'in itchi' (unanimous agreement) before acting.

Formal Reports

If you are writing a business report in Japanese, using 過半 instead of 半分以上 will immediately make your writing look more professional.

Pitch Accent

Try to say 'ka-ha-n' with a flat tone. Don't let your voice drop or rise sharply on any of the syllables.

Kanji Logic

Learn the radical on the left of '過' (shin-nyū). It relates to movement or passing, which helps you remember it means 'to exceed'.

Compound Recognition

When you see 過半数, don't get intimidated by the length. It's just 'Majority' + 'Number'. Break it down!

Office Usage

Use this word when discussing survey results from your colleagues or market share data.

Strict Boundary

If you have 10 people and 5 agree, that is NOT 過半. You need 6. This is the most important thing to remember.

암기하기

기억법

Think of a 'Car' (Ka) driving 'Half' (Han) way across a bridge and then 'Exceeding' it. You've reached the Kahan!

시각적 연상

Imagine a pie chart where a bright red line clearly cuts past the 50% mark. That red line is the 'Ka' (exceeding) part of 'Kahan'.

Word Web

Majority 51% Elections Shareholders Threshold Decision Precision Formal

챌린지

Try to find one news article today in Japanese (on NHK News Web Easy) that uses the word 過半 or 過半数.

어원

The word is a Sino-Japanese compound (Kango). '過' (ka) comes from Middle Chinese /kwa/ meaning 'to pass through' or 'to exceed'. '半' (han) comes from Middle Chinese /pwan/ meaning 'half' or 'to divide in two'.

원래 의미: To exceed the halfway point.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

문화적 맥락

No specific sensitivities, but using it casually can make you sound cold or overly clinical.

In English, we often use 'majority' to mean 'most people'. In Japanese, 'kahan' is much more strictly tied to the 50% + 1 math.

Japanese Constitution (referencing majority votes). NHK Election Special (where 'kahansū' is the most used word). Companies Act of Japan (defining shareholder rights).

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Elections

  • 過半数を獲得する
  • 過半数割れを回避する
  • 議席の過半
  • 得票の過半

Business Meetings

  • 過半の賛成で決定
  • 過半の持ち分
  • 過半数の出席
  • 過半を保有する

Statistics/Surveys

  • 回答者の過半
  • 過半が肯定的
  • 過半に達する
  • 過半を占める

Legal Documents

  • 過半数の同意
  • 過半を代表する
  • 過半の決議
  • 過半の通知

Time Management

  • 一日の過半
  • 期間の過半
  • 時間の過半を費やす
  • 過半が経過した

대화 시작하기

"アンケートの結果、過半の人が賛成したそうですよ。"

"新しいプロジェクトの予算、もう過半を使ってしまったんですか?"

"この政党が過半数を取ったら、何が変わると思いますか?"

"クラスの過半が海外旅行に行きたいと言っています。"

"一年の過半が過ぎましたが、今年の目標はどうなりましたか?"

일기 주제

今日の仕事の過半を何に費やしましたか?詳しく書いてください。

あなたの国の選挙で、過半数を取ることがどれくらい重要か説明してください。

最近、友達の過半が賛成したけれど、あなたが反対したことはありますか?

人生の過半を過ぎたとき、自分はどうなっていたいですか?

読んだ本の過半が面白くなかった場合、あなたはどうしますか?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Not exactly. It means anything greater than 50%. In a group of 1,000, 501 is 過半. It simply means the threshold of half has been crossed.

Technically yes, but it sounds very strange. Use '半分以上' (hanbun ijō) for food or casual items. Use '過半' for votes, people, or data.

過半 is the general noun for 'majority'. 過半数 (kahansū) specifically refers to the 'majority number' and is the most common term used in voting and elections.

No. The kanji '過' means 'to exceed'. Therefore, it must be more than 50%. If it's exactly 50%, it is '半数' (hansū).

Yes, it is extremely common in news, newspapers, and business meetings. It is a 'must-know' word for anyone reading Japanese media.

You can say '過半に達しなかった' (kahan ni tasshinakatta) or '過半に満たなかった' (kahan ni mitanakatta).

It is a political term used when a ruling party loses enough seats that they no longer have more than 50% of the total seats.

Yes, it is the standard way to describe statistical majorities in research papers and formal reports.

Yes, you can say '一日の過半' (more than half the day), though '一日の大半' is also very common.

Yes, the kanji 過 means to pass or exceed. In 'kako' (過去), it means time that has passed. In 'kahan', it means exceeding the half.

셀프 테스트 200 질문

writing

Translate to Japanese: "More than half of the students agreed."

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Japanese: "A majority of votes was required."

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Japanese: "He spent more than half of his life abroad."

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Japanese: "The bill was passed by a majority vote."

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Japanese: "More than half of the year has already passed."

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Japanese: "The party failed to reach a majority."

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Japanese: "A majority of the population lives in cities."

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Japanese: "We need to secure a majority of the shares."

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Japanese: "More than half of the work is done."

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Japanese: "The majority of residents oppose the plan."

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Japanese: "The budget has reached more than half."

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Japanese: "More than half of the survey respondents were men."

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Japanese: "It is a democratic principle of majority rule."

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Japanese: "The ruling party lost its majority."

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Japanese: "More than half of the time was spent on discussion."

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Japanese: "The majority of the committee members were absent."

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Japanese: "The majority of the profit is reinvested."

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Japanese: "More than half of the day has passed."

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Japanese: "The majority of the seats are occupied by women."

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Japanese: "We must obtain the consent of the majority."

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

「過半」を使って、「クラスの半分より多い人が休みです」と言ってください。

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

「過半数」を使って、「選挙で勝ちました」という報告をしてください。

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

「過半」を使って、「一日のほとんどを仕事に使っています」と言ってください。

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

「過半の賛成」を使って、会議の結果を報告してください。

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

「過半数割れ」という言葉を使って、ニュースを伝えてください。

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

「過半」を使って、自分の持ち株について説明してください。

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

「過半」を使って、住民の意見について説明してください。

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

「過半」を使って、時間の経過について言ってください。

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

「過半」を使って、アンケートの結果を言ってください。

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

「過半を占める」を使って、市場について話してください。

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

「過半」を使って、人生について語ってください。

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

「過半」を使って、仕事の進み具合を報告してください。

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

「過半」を使って、予算について話してください。

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

「過半」を使って、出席者について話してください。

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

「過半」を使って、人口について説明してください。

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

「過半」を使って、利益の使い道について話してください。

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

「過半」を使って、議決について説明してください。

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

「過半」を使って、テストについて話してください。

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

「過半」を使って、読書について話してください。

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

「過半」を使って、世帯について説明してください。

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Audio description: A news anchor says, 'Yōtō wa kahansū o kakuho shimashita.' What happened?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Audio description: A boss says, 'Kahan no dōi ga hitsuyō da.' What does he need?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Audio description: A scientist says, 'Kanjya no kahan ni kōka ga atta.' Who did the medicine help?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Audio description: A reporter says, 'Kahan-ware no osore ga arimasu.' What is the fear?

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listening

Audio description: A student says, 'Jugyō no kahan ga owatta.' How much time is left?

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listening

Audio description: A businessman says, 'Kahan o shutoku shitai.' What does he want to acquire?

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listening

Audio description: A pollster says, 'Yūken-sha no kahan ga hantai shite iru.' What are voters doing?

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listening

Audio description: A lawyer says, 'Kahan no ketsugi ga hitsuyō desu.' What is required?

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listening

Audio description: A person says, 'Ichinichi no kahan o nede sugoshita.' How did they spend the day?

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listening

Audio description: A manager says, 'Kahan o shimeru no wa josei desu.' Who is the majority?

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listening

Audio description: A historian says, 'Rekishi no kahan wa nazo da.' What is the majority of history?

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listening

Audio description: A trader says, 'Shijō no kahan o nigitta.' What did they do?

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listening

Audio description: A citizen says, 'Jūmin no kahan ga sansei desu.' What do the residents think?

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listening

Audio description: A teacher says, 'Tesuto no kahan ga owatta ne.' What is the status of the test?

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listening

Audio description: A politician says, 'Kahan no sansei o motome-masu.' What is he asking for?

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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