半
bàn · HSK 1
half
½ 半 splits 八 (eight, dividing) over 牛 (ox) — cutting an ox in two
Etymology: 半 shows 八 'divide' above 牛 'ox', the classic image of splitting a large animal into halves. Modern use is the generic word for half — 一半 (a half), 半天 (half a day), 半价 (half price).
半 — 八 (split) + 牛 (ox/cow)
半 originally depicted an ox (牛) being divided in two, shown by the splitting strokes 八 on top. The image of cleaving an ox down the middle gave rise to the meaning 'half' or 'to divide into halves'. The modern sense of 'half' or 'partial' comes directly from this ancient act of splitting.