分离

• Pinyin: fēn lí
• Hanzi breakdown: 分 = to divide; 离 = to leave/separate

Meaning

To separate; to part; to be apart. Physical or emotional separation between people or things.

Can describe physical separation of substances, parting of people, or the state of being apart. Carries emotional weight when used for relationships, suggesting unwilling or sorrowful parting.

Examples

1. 战争让无数家庭分离。 War caused countless families to be separated.
2. 科学家用特殊方法把混合物分离开。 Scientists use special methods to separate the mixture.
3. 他们虽然分离了五年，感情却更深了。 Although they were apart for five years, their feelings only grew deeper.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, science, society

Tone: emotional

Do Say

• 分离是为了更好的相聚。(Separation is for a better reunion.)
• 我们不想分离。(We don't want to be apart.)

Don't Say

• 我和午饭分离了 (Don't use 分离 for trivial separations from objects — it carries emotional weight; use 没吃 or similar)

Origin & History

Compound of 分 (to divide) + 离 (to leave, separate), emphasizing the act and state of separation.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal