Definition
分裂 (fēnliè) means 'to split, break apart' — used for physical objects cracking or groups/organizations disintegrating into factions. It differs from 分离 (fēnlí 'to separate, part ways'), which is more about people or things moving apart, and 分割 (fēngē 'to partition, divide up'), which implies carving or allocating portions. Unlike 分手 or 失恋, 分裂 is never used for romantic breakups.
verb
to splitto divide (physically or metaphorically)to break upto disintegrate (of a group, organization, etc.)
Examples
- 分裂。Zhè kuài yánshí zài gāowēn xià fēn liè chéng le liǎng kuài.This rock split into two pieces under high temperature.
- 分裂。Gōngsī yīnwèi nèibù máodùn fēn liè chéng le liǎng ge dúlì de qǐyè.Due to internal conflicts, the company split into two independent enterprises.
- 分裂。Zhèngdǎng de fēn liè dǎozhì le xuǎnjǔ shībài.The split of the political party led to the election failure.
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