二分 (èr fēn) — binary division, dichotomy

Definition

A formal/logical term for splitting something into two opposing parts — 'dichotomy' or 'binary division'. Used in philosophy, logic, and analysis; rarer in everyday speech.

noun
binary divisiondichotomy
Easily confused

Examples

  • 二分。
    Zhè ge wèn tí kě yǐ yòng èr fēn fǎ lái jiě jué.
    This problem can be solved using the dichotomy method.
  • 二分。
    Tā men de guān diǎn cún zài míng xiǎn de èr fēn.
    There is a clear binary division in their viewpoints.
  • 二分。
    Gǔ dài zhé xué jiā cháng tǎo lùn shàn è de èr fēn.
    Ancient philosophers often discussed the dichotomy of good and evil.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

二èrtwo
分fēndivision

二 gives the number two and 分 the division, naming a binary cut.

Characters in this word

An abstract idea shown by a mark or a diagram rather than by a picture of an object.

二 is drawn as two parallel strokes, where the number of strokes shows the amount.

Open 二 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

分 pairs 八 (to separate) with 刀 (knife), showing something cut apart with a knife.

Open 分 →

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