Meaning
分割 means to divide or partition something into separate parts or sections. It emphasizes the physical or conceptual act of splitting a whole into distinct pieces, whether that's dividing land, separating spaces, or breaking up abstract entities like time or responsibilities.
Usage
This is a formal, somewhat technical verb commonly used in legal, administrative, and technical contexts. It's often seen when discussing property division, territorial boundaries, or organizational restructuring. In everyday speech, simpler words like 分开 (fēn kāi) are more common for casual separations.
Examples
- 01这块土地被分割成了三个部分。.This piece of land was divided into three parts.
- 02离婚后他们需要分割共同财产。.After the divorce, they need to divide their joint property.
Characters
Common collocations
- 分割土地to partition land
- 分割财产to divide property/assets
- 分割线dividing line
- 被分割to be divided/partitioned
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to division: 分 originally depicted splitting something in half with a knife, while 割 combines the knife radical (刀) with a phonetic component, meaning to cut or sever. Together they emphasize deliberate, often formal division.