Definition
分离 (fēn lí) is a formal, written verb meaning 'to separate' — it's used in scientific, technical, or abstract contexts (e.g., separating oxygen from air). In everyday speech, 分开 (fēn kāi) is more common for physical separation of objects or people.
verb
to separate
Easily confused
- 奋力fèn lìsound-alike(adverb) with all one's strength, vigorously, strenuously
Examples
- 分离。Kēxuéjiā cóng kōngqì zhōng fēn lí chū le yǎngqì.Scientists separated oxygen from the air.
- 分离，。Tāmen fēn lí duō nián, zài jiànmiàn shí yǐjīng rèn bù chū duìfāng le.They had been separated for many years, and when they met again they couldn't recognize each other.
- 分离。Qǐng bǎ zhè duī lājī fēn lí chéng kě huíshōu hé bù kě huíshōu liǎng lèi.Please separate this pile of trash into recyclable and non-recyclable categories.
Browse more HSK 5 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.