分裂

• Pinyin: fēn liè
• Hanzi breakdown: 分 = 八 (divide) + 刀 (knife); 裂 = 列 (row, phonetic) + 衣 (clothing) — tearing apart like cloth

Meaning

To split; to divide; to break apart. The process of separating into parts or factions.

Used in political, biological, and interpersonal contexts. In politics: 国家分裂 (national division), 分裂主义 (separatism). In biology: 细胞分裂 (cell division). In relationships: 意见分裂 (divided opinions). Often carries negative connotations when referring to groups or nations splitting apart.

Examples

1. 公司内部的权力斗争导致管理层分裂，最终影响了整体业绩。 Internal power struggles within the company caused the management to split, ultimately affecting overall performance.
2. 生物课上老师讲解了细胞分裂的过程，从有丝分裂到减数分裂。 In biology class, the teacher explained the process of cell division, from mitosis to meiosis.
3. 任何企图分裂国家的行为都是不可接受的。 Any attempt to split the nation is unacceptable.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, biology, conflict

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 细胞通过分裂来繁殖。(Cells reproduce through division.)
• 内部矛盾可能导致组织分裂。(Internal conflicts may cause the organization to split.)

Don't Say

• 用分裂形容简单的意见不同 (Don't use 分裂 for simple disagreements — it implies serious, fundamental splits; use 分歧 for differences of opinion)

Origin & History

Compound of 分 (to divide) + 裂 (to split, crack). 裂 contains 衣 (clothing) and depicts something being torn apart.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal