別れる

• Reading: わかれる
• Romaji: wakareru
• Kanji breakdown: 別 (separate/divide) + れる (intransitive verb ending) → to separate, to break up
• Pronunciation: /wa.ka.ɾe.ɾu/

Meaning

To break up with someone — to end a romantic relationship.

別れる is the standard word for breaking up in Japanese. It can be used whether the breakup was mutual or one-sided. Related expressions include 別れ話 (wakare-banashi, breakup talk) and 別れを切り出す (wakare wo kiridasu, to bring up breaking up).

Examples

1. 5年付き合った彼氏と別れたばっかりでつらい。 I just broke up with my boyfriend of five years and it's been rough.
2. 別れるって決めたのに、会うと気持ちが揺れる。 I decided to break up, but every time I see them my feelings waver.
3. 友達が彼女と別れたみたいで、めっちゃ落ち込んでる。 My friend apparently broke up with his girlfriend — he's super down about it.

Usage Guide

Context: friends, general conversation, counseling

Tone: serious, emotional

Do Say

• 実は先月別れたんだ。 (Actually, we broke up last month.)
• 別れた方がいいと思う？ (Do you think I should break up with them?)

Don't Say

• 失恋直後の人に「別れて正解だよ」はタイミングが大事 (Telling someone who just broke up 'it was the right call' requires careful timing — they may not be ready to hear it)

Common Mistakes

• Confusing 別れる (wakareru, to break up/part) with 分かれる (wakareru, to split/branch) — same pronunciation but different kanji and meaning

Origin & History

From 別 (separate/divide) + れる (intransitive verb ending). A standard Japanese verb meaning 'to part/separate,' used for romantic breakups as well as general parting.

Cultural Context

Era: Standard Japanese, timeless

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Regional notes: Used across all of Japan. The standard term for ending a romantic relationship.