…分之…

• Pinyin: fēn zhī
• Hanzi breakdown: 分 = to divide into parts; 之 = classical possessive particle (of) — 'of [these] parts, [take this many]'

Meaning

A fractional expression meaning 'X out of Y.' Used to express fractions, percentages, and proportions in Chinese.

The standard way to express fractions in Chinese. The structure is: denominator + 分之 + numerator, read from the whole to the part. For example, 三分之一 means one-third (literally 'of three parts, one'). Also used for percentages: 百分之五十 (50%). Very common in math, statistics, news, and daily life.

Examples

1. 三分之二的学生选择了这门课。 Two-thirds of the students chose this course.
2. 今天的工作我已经完成了百分之八十。 I've already finished eighty percent of today's work.
3. 五分之一的人口住在城市里。 One-fifth of the population lives in cities.

Usage Guide

Context: math, statistics, everyday

Tone: informative

Do Say

• 这件衣服打了七折，也就是原价的百分之七十。(This piece of clothing is 30% off, which is 70% of the original price.)
• 四分之三的人同意这个方案。(Three-quarters of the people agree with this plan.)

Don't Say

• 一之分三 (The order is denominator first, then 分之, then numerator — never reverse it; 三分之一 means one-third)

Origin & History

A grammatical structure where 分 means 'parts/portions' and 之 is a classical possessive particle (equivalent to 的). Literally: 'of X parts, Y' — expressing a fraction.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal