half-mast
half-mast — 名詞
1. the spot on a pole where a flag hangs when people are publicly mourning a death
降半旗
旗幟降下半旗桿以示哀悼
the spot on a pole where a flag hangs when people are publicly mourning a death or a terrible national event.
The embassy flew its national flag at half-mast after the former president passed away.
前總統過世後，大使館降下半旗。使館降下國旗至半旗位置。
collocation: fly + flag + at half-mast
Flags at half-mast across the capital marked a day of national mourning for the earthquake victims.
首都各地的降半旗標誌著地震罹難者的全國哀悼日。
The school principal ordered the flag at half-mast to honor the teacher who had died of an illness.
校長下令降半旗，以紀念因病去世的老師。
When the attack happened, every government building lowered its flag to half-mast within an hour.
攻擊發生後，每棟政府大樓都在一小時內將國旗降至半旗。
Crowds gathered silently around the square, where the flag had been set at half-mast since dawn.
人群靜靜地聚集在廣場周圍，那裡的旗幟從黎明起就降到了半旗。
- half-staff
Preferred in American English for flags on land-based poles, while half-mast is used for ships.
- full mast
The normal position of a flag at the top of the pole.
文法句型
at half-mast
用法筆記
The most common and traditional meaning. 'Mast' originally referred to a ship's mast, but the expression is now used for any flagpole. The flag is never flown at half-mast for happy events or celebrations.
常見錯誤
2. the halfway setting of a movable object such as a window covering or door, when
半開位置
窗、門、簾等半開半關的位置
the halfway setting of a movable object such as a window covering or door, when it is neither fully open nor fully closed.
The window shade was stuck at half-mast, letting in a narrow strip of morning light.
窗簾卡在半開位置，只透進一線晨光。
Mei-Lin pulled the bamboo blinds to half-mast so the afternoon sun would not heat the room too much.
美琳將竹簾拉至半開位置，好讓午後的陽光不會把房間曬得太熱。
collocation: pull + blinds + to half-mast
The garage door stopped at half-mast when its sensor detected a cat running underneath it.
車庫門開到一半就停了，因為感應器偵測到有貓從底下跑過。
Diego left the car window at half-mast to let some fresh air into the stuffy cabin.
迪亞哥把車窗留在一半的位置，讓一些新鮮空氣吹進悶熱的車廂。
The old wooden shutters hung permanently at half-mast, their hinges too rusty to close fully.
那扇舊木百葉窗永遠掛在半開的位置，鉸鏈太鏽了，無法完全關上。
文法句型
at half-mast
用法筆記
This use is an informal metaphor that extends the flag imagery to everyday household objects. Very common with blinds, shutters, car windows, and garage doors.
3. the way trousers sit when the waistband is down near the hips instead of up at t
垮褲位置
褲子穿在臀部以下的樣子
the way trousers sit when the waistband is down near the hips instead of up at the waist, often done on purpose as a fashion style.
The teenager's trousers were at half-mast, showing off a pair of bright yellow socks.
那個青少年的褲子穿在垮褲位置，露出一雙鮮黃色的襪子。
pattern: [possessive] + trousers + at half-mast
The school dress code clearly stated that trousers must not be worn at half-mast.
學校的服裝規定明確指出褲子不得穿至垮褲位置。
Haruto's jeans were permanently set at half-mast, a look he copied from his favorite hip-hop artist.
晴人的牛仔褲老是穿在垮褲位置，這是他從最喜歡的嘻哈歌手那裡學來的造型。
An elderly man frowned at the young people walking through town with their trousers at half-mast.
一位老先生看著鎮上年輕人把褲子穿在垮褲位置走過，皺起了眉頭。
When Mateo's belt broke during soccer practice, his shorts stayed at half-mast for the rest of the game.
馬提歐的皮帶在足球練習時斷了，他的短裤只好掛在屁股下半場比賽。
- sagging
The standard modern term for wearing trousers below the waist; half-mast is more humorous or old-fashioned.
文法句型
trousers at half-mast
pants at half-mast
用法筆記
Informal and often used humorously or critically by older generations to describe a style where the waistband sits below the hips. The expression transfers the 'lowered flag' image to clothing that has slipped or is worn low.
常見錯誤
4. the way long trousers look when their legs finish somewhere between the knee and
九分褲長
褲管長度在膝蓋與腳踝之間
the way long trousers look when their legs finish somewhere between the knee and the ankle, instead of reaching the shoe.
Sofia rolled up her jeans to half-mast so she could walk through the shallow stream without getting them wet.
蘇菲亞把牛仔褲捲到九分褲長，好走過淺溪而不弄濕褲管。
verb pattern: roll up + clothes + to half-mast
The floodwaters had risen, so everyone kept their trousers at half-mast while wading through the street.
洪水上漲了，每個人都把褲管維持在腳踝上方的長度涉水過街。
Yuki's new suit trousers were cut at half-mast, a fashionable style known as ankle-grazers.
由紀的新西裝褲子裁成九分褲長，這是一種稱為「露踝褲」的時尚款式。
After a growth spurt, Kenji's school trousers became permanently at half-mast and his mother had to buy new ones.
健司長高後，他的學校褲子變成了九分褲長，媽媽只好買新的。
The tailor accidentally cut the trousers at half-mast, so the customer asked for them to be remade at full length.
裁縫不小心把褲子裁成了九分褲長，顧客要求重做成全長的。
- cropped trousers
The standard fashion term for trousers that end above the ankle; more neutral than half-mast.
- ankle-grazers
A colloquial fashion term for intentionally short trousers.
- full-length
Trousers that reach all the way to the foot or shoe.
文法句型
trousers at half-mast
pants at half-mast
用法筆記
British-influenced usage. Can describe either a deliberate fashion choice (cropped/ankle-length trousers) or an accidental shortness (outgrown or poorly tailored clothing). This sense is different from sense 3 — here the waist is at the normal position but the legs are short.
half-mast — 副詞
1. in or into a lowered spot about midway on a flagpole, used publicly to show sadn
降半旗地
旗幟降至旗桿中段的狀態
in or into a lowered spot about midway on a flagpole, used publicly to show sadness and honor when someone has died or after a disaster.
The flag flew half-mast from sunrise until sunset on the day of the state funeral.
國葬當天，旗幟從日出到日落都降半旗。
collocation: fly + half-mast
All government flags were ordered to hang half-mast for thirty days after the tragedy.
政府下令所有旗幟在悲劇發生後降半旗三十天。
passive command: ordered to hang half-mast
The national flag was flying half-mast above the presidential palace when the delegation arrived.
代表團抵達時，總統府上方的國旗正降半旗。
In a gesture of solidarity, the stadium flag flew half-mast during the memorial match for the fallen athletes.
為了表示團結，體育館在紀念不幸罹難運動員的比賽中降半旗。
The union leader asked the factory to fly the flag half-mast for the fallen workers.
工會領袖要求工廠為罹難工人降半旗。
文法句型
fly half-mast
hang half-mast
用法筆記
The adverbial form always follows the verb directly: 'fly half-mast', 'hang half-mast'. It does not take an article or preposition. This is different from the noun form, which requires 'at' ('at half-mast').
常見錯誤
half-mast — 形容詞
1. describing a flag that has been lowered to about the middle of the flagpole as a
降半旗的
旗幟降至旗桿中段以表示哀悼的
describing a flag that has been lowered to about the middle of the flagpole as a sign of mourning or respect.
A half-mast flag hung over the entrance to the parliament building on the day of the funeral.
葬禮當天，一面降半旗的旗幟懸掛在國會大廈入口上方。
attributive use: half-mast flag
The half-mast flags along the highway reminded drivers that it was a national day of mourning.
高速公路旁的降半旗旗幟提醒駕駛人今天是全國哀悼日。
Photographs showed a half-mast flag at the stadium during the tribute ceremony for the late coach.
照片顯示體育館在紀念已故教練的致敬儀式中懸掛了降半旗的旗幟。
The half-mast flag outside city hall fluttered gently in the cool autumn breeze.
市政廳外那面降半旗的旗幟在涼爽的秋風中輕輕飄動。
Visitors noticed the half-mast flag and asked a guard what tragedy had occurred overnight.
遊客注意到那面降半旗的旗幟，便問警衛昨夜發生了什麼悲劇。
文法句型
half-mast flag
用法筆記
Used only before the noun it modifies ('a half-mast flag'). Do not use it predicatively — you would not say 'The flag is half-mast' (instead say 'The flag is at half-mast').
常見錯誤
2. describing a window, blind, shutter, or similar object that is positioned roughl
半開的
窗、簾、門處於半開半關的
describing a window, blind, shutter, or similar object that is positioned roughly midway between fully open and fully closed, or between fully up and fully down.
The half-mast blinds cast long striped shadows across the kitchen floor in the late afternoon.
半開的百葉窗在廚房地板上投下長長的條紋陰影。
attributive use: half-mast blinds
Fatima adjusted the window to a half-mast position so the rain would not blow inside the room.
法蒂瑪將窗戶調到半開的位置，以免雨水吹進房間。
The half-mast garage door let the cat slip out but kept the dog safely inside the house.
半開的車庫門讓貓溜了出去，但把狗安全地留在了屋裡。
Through the half-mast curtains, Amara watched the neighbors loading suitcases into their car.
透過半開的窗簾，阿瑪拉看著鄰居們把行李箱裝進車裡。
A half-mast shutter rattled noisily whenever the strong coastal wind picked up during the storm.
那扇半開的百葉窗在強勁的海風吹起時嘎嘎作響。
文法句型
half-mast blind
half-mast window
half-mast position
用法筆記
This informal adjective use extends the flag metaphor to household objects, particularly windows, blinds, shutters, and doors. It is most natural with blinds and shutters.
3. describing trousers whose waistband sits low on the hips rather than at the natu
垮穿的
褲子穿在臀部以下的
describing trousers whose waistband sits low on the hips rather than at the natural waistline, often as a deliberate fashion style.
The school banned half-mast trousers after many parents complained about the trend.
學校在家長抱怨這種風潮後禁止垮穿的褲子。
attributive use: half-mast trousers
A group of boys in half-mast jeans gathered outside the convenience store after school.
一群穿著垮穿牛仔褲的男孩放學後聚集在便利商店外。
His half-mast trousers revealed a pair of bright red boxer shorts printed with cartoon animals.
他那條垮穿的褲子露出一條印有卡通圖案的鮮紅色四角褲。
Fashion magazines in the early 2000s showed celebrities wearing half-mast trousers on the red carpet.
2000年代初期的時尚雜誌顯示名人穿著垮穿的褲子走紅毯。
The security guard at the mall told the teenager to pull up his half-mast pants before entering the store.
購物中心的警衛叫那個青少年拉上他垮穿的褲子再進店裡。
- sagging
The standard adjective for this style; 'half-mast' sounds more humorous or old-fashioned.
文法句型
half-mast trousers
half-mast jeans
用法筆記
Describes a fashion style where the waistband sits below the hips. Became popular in the 1990s–2000s hip-hop scene. Often seen as rebellious or sloppy by older generations. This adjective sense applies only to trousers, jeans, and shorts, not to skirts or dresses.
常見錯誤
4. describing long trousers whose legs are short enough to end somewhere between th
九分褲的
褲管長度在膝蓋與腳踝之間的
describing long trousers whose legs are short enough to end somewhere between the knee and the ankle, rather than reaching down to the foot.
The boutique sold half-mast trousers for men who wanted a cleaner, more modern look.
這家精品店販售九分褲的褲子，適合想要更簡潔時尚造型的男性。
attributive use: half-mast trousers
Linnea's half-mast dress pants showed off a pair of elegant silver sandals at the summer wedding.
琳內亞的九分褲西裝褲在夏日婚禮上搭配了一雙優雅的銀色涼鞋。
The tailor recommended half-mast trousers for the outdoor ceremony because the ground would be muddy.
裁縫建議在戶外典禮穿九分褲的褲子，因為地面可能會泥濘。
After his growth spurt, Wei's school trousers became half-mast and his mother had to order new uniforms.
偉長高後，學校褲子變成了九分褲，媽媽只好訂購新制服。
Half-mast trousers are popular in tropical countries because they let the ankles breathe in the heat.
九分褲的褲子在熱帶國家很受歡迎，因為炎熱中可以讓腳踝透氣。
- cropped
The neutral fashion term; 'half-mast' is informal and sometimes humorous.
- ankle-length
More precise term for trousers that end just above the ankle.
- full-length
Trousers that reach the foot or shoe.
文法句型
half-mast trousers
用法筆記
This describes the leg length, not the waist position. The trousers fit normally at the waist but end above the ankle. Can be intentional (fashionable cropped trousers) or unintentional (outgrown children's clothes). Distinguish from sense 3, where the waist is worn low.
half-mast — 動詞
- half-mastpresent simple I / you / we / they
- half-masts3rd person singular
- half-masting-ing form
- half-mastedpast simple
1. to lower a flag to a position about halfway down the pole as a public sign of sa
降下半旗
將旗幟降至旗桿中段位置
to lower a flag to a position about halfway down the pole as a public sign of sadness and respect.
The government ordered all public buildings to half-mast their flags until the state funeral ended.
政府下令所有公共建築降半旗，直到國葬結束。
transitive use: half-mast + their flags
The caretaker half-masted the flag at dawn, following the instructions from the mayor's office.
管理員遵照市長辦公室的指示，在黎明時分降下半旗。
past tense: half-masted the flag
The stadium crew half-masted the enormous flag before the memorial concert began in the evening.
體育館人員在晚間的紀念音樂會開始前，將巨大旗幟降下半旗。
In a show of respect, the navy half-masted its flags on every ship anchored in the harbor.
為表示敬意，海軍將港內每一艘船上的旗幟降下半旗。
The students asked the principal to half-mast the school flag in memory of their classmate who had died.
學生們要求校長將學校旗幟降下半旗，以紀念去世的同學。
- lower
The neutral verb; 'half-mast' is more specific about the exact position.
- raise
To put the flag back to the top of the pole.
文法句型
half-mast + flag
half-masted + flag
用法筆記
This is a transitive verb — it always takes an object (the flag being lowered). The past tense is 'half-masted'. It is less common than the noun or adverb forms; people more often say 'lower the flag to half-mast' than 'half-mast the flag'.