分解する
bunkai suru
To decompose in Japanese is expressed as 分解する (bunkai suru) or ばらす (barasu).
Meaning: to separate (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 分解する | bunkai suru | |
| ばらす | barasu | [ba̠ɾa̠sɨ] (narrow) |
The term 分解する is used for the technical or systematic disassembly of complex objects, such as machines or for the chemical and biological decomposition of substances in a scientific context. In contrast, if you are referring specifically to the decay or rotting of organic matter, the term 腐敗する (fuhai suru) is more appropriate.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun component of 分解する, which is 分解 (bunkai), is composed of the characters 分 (to divide) and 解 (to untie or solve).
Which one should you use?
分解する is a formal and technical term used for the systematic disassembly of objects or chemical processes.
How do you pronounce it?
bunkai suru
Did you know?
- The verb ばらす is used colloquially to mean 'to spill the beans' or reveal a secret, moving beyond its literal meaning of taking something apart.
- The word ばらす is a close relative of ばれる, which means 'to be found out' or 'to have a secret revealed'. Both share a root meaning of things falling apart or coming undone.
- The verb ばらす is closely related to the adverb ばらばら, which describes things being 'in complete disarray' or 'all over the place'.
Examples in context
- 機械をばらすTo decompose a machineThis sentence shows how to use ばらす when talking about taking a machine apart.
- 私たちは分解するプロセスについて学びます。We are learning about the process of decomposition.
- 食品が腐敗することは微生物の働きです。The decay of food is the work of microorganisms.
- 忘れていた食べ物が冷蔵庫で腐ってしまいました。I forgot about the food, and it decomposed in the refrigerator.
- この棚を一度分解する。Kono tana o ichido bunkai suru.I will disassemble this shelf once.
Example conversation
A boy and a girl are looking at a broken toy in the living room.
- 陽葵 Himariこのおもちゃ、分解する？Kono omocha, bunkai suru?Should we take this toy apart?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、分解して中を見てみよう。Un, bunkai shite naka o mite miyou.Yeah, let's disassemble it and look inside.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔君、壊さないように気をつけてね。Hiroto-kun, kowasanai you ni ki o tsukete ne.Hiroto, be careful not to break it.
- 大翔 Hirotoわかった、慎重に分解するよ。Wakatta, shinchou ni bunkai suru yo.Understood, I will disassemble it carefully.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “decompose” translations and entries ばらす, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ばらす, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
