部分

• Pinyin: bù fèn
• Hanzi breakdown: 部 (bù) — section, department; 分 (fèn) — divide, portion

Meaning

Part; portion; section. Refers to a piece or segment of something larger.

Used in both everyday and slightly formal contexts to refer to part of a whole. Can describe physical portions, groups of people, or sections of content. Often preceded by 一 or a modifier like 大.

Examples

1. 这本书我只看了一部分。 I've only read part of this book.
2. 大部分学生都喜欢运动。 Most students like sports.
3. 请你完成这个部分的练习。 Please finish the exercises in this section.

Usage Guide

Context: academics, work, everyday description

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这部分内容很重要。(This part of the content is very important.)
• 我同意你说的一部分。(I agree with part of what you said.)

Don't Say

• Do not use 部分 as a verb — it is a noun. To say 'divide,' use 分开 or 划分 instead.

Origin & History

Compound of 部 (section, part) and 分 (divide, portion). Together they denote a divided segment of a whole.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal