分手

• Pinyin: fēn shǒu
• Hanzi breakdown: 分 = 八 (divide) + 刀 (knife) — to separate; 手 = pictograph of a hand — letting go of hands

Meaning

To break up; to part ways. Most commonly refers to ending a romantic relationship.

Primarily used for the end of a romantic relationship. Can also mean to part ways physically (e.g., at a crossroads), though this older meaning is less common now. Very frequent in everyday conversation, pop culture, and music. Often used with 跟/和…分手 (break up with someone).

Examples

1. 他们谈了三年恋爱，最后还是分手了。 They dated for three years but eventually broke up.
2. 分手以后，她一个人去旅行了。 After the breakup, she went traveling alone.
3. 他不想分手，但是她已经决定了。 He didn't want to break up, but she had already decided.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, everyday

Tone: emotional

Do Say

• 听说他们分手了，真可惜。(I heard they broke up — what a shame.)
• 她和男朋友分手了。(She broke up with her boyfriend.)

Don't Say

• 我和公司分手了 (Don't use 分手 for leaving a job — use 辞职 for quitting or 离开 for leaving a company)

Origin & History

A compound of 分 (to separate) and 手 (hand), literally meaning to let go of each other's hands — a vivid image of parting.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal