초반 (cho-ban, choban) · 중반 (jung-ban, jungban) · 후반 (hu-ban, huban)
Choban, Jungban, and Huban indicate the beginning, middle, and end phases of an event or period, each with distinct positions and usage.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
The beginning phase of an event or period
When to use
start of game, early project stage, beginning of movie
The nuance
Use 초반 when referring to the very start phase of an event or period, typically covering the first 0–30% of the total duration.
The middle phase of an event or period
When to use
middle of game, mid-project, middle of movie
The nuance
Use 중반 to indicate the middle phase, roughly 30–70% of the total duration, when the event or process is actively ongoing.
The ending phase of an event or period
When to use
end of game, project closing stage, end of movie
The nuance
Use 후반 to refer to the final phase, approximately 70–100% of the total duration, when the event is nearing completion.
축구 경기 초반에 골이 나왔다.
chuk-gu gyeong-gi cho-ban-e gol-i na-wass-da., chuk gu gyeong gi cho ban e gol i na wass da.
Appropriate to use 초반 because it refers to the start phase of the game.
축구 경기 중반에 골이 나왔다.
chuk-gu gyeong-gi jung-ban-e gol-i na-wass-da., chuk gu gyeong gi jung ban e gol i na wass da.
Correct to use 중반 as it indicates the middle phase of the game.
축구 경기 후반에 골이 나왔다.
chuk-gu gyeong-gi hu-ban-e gol-i na-wass-da., chuk gu gyeong gi hu ban e gol i na wass da.
Using 후반 is correct because it refers to the end phase of the game.
영화 초반에 결말이 나왔다.
yeong-hwa cho-ban-e gyeol-mal-i na-wass-da., yeong hwa cho ban e gyeol mal i na wass da.
Ending cannot be at the beginning; 후반 should be used instead of 초반.
프로젝트 중반에 계획을 세웠다.
peu-ro-jek-teu jung-ban-e gye-hoek-eul se-woss-da., peu ro jek teu jung ban e gye hoek eul se woss da.
Planning usually happens early, so 초반 is more appropriate than 중반.
프로젝트 후반에 기획을 시작했다.
peu-ro-jek-teu hu-ban-e gi-hoek-eul si-jak-haess-da., peu ro jek teu hu ban e gi hoek eul si jak haess da.
Planning is done at the start, so 후반 is incorrect here.
영화 중반부에 긴장감이 최고조에 달했다.
yeong-hwa jung-ban-bu-e gin-jang-gam-i choe-go-jo-e dal-haess-da., yeong hwa jung ban bu e gin jang gam i choe go jo e dal haess da.
Using 중반 is appropriate for tension peaking in the middle part.
영화 후반부에 주인공이 소개되었다.
yeong-hwa hu-ban-bu-e ju-in-gong-i so-gae-doe-eoss-da., yeong hwa hu ban bu e ju in gong i so gae doe eoss da.
Introducing the main character usually happens early, so 후반 is wrong here.
In a soccer game, when does '초반' refer to?
Which situation is incorrect for using '후반'?
Which sentence best fits using '중반'?
