se diviser
The English verb 'divide' can be translated into French as se diviser.
The verb is used to describe the act of separating something into two or more parts. While se diviser is used when the subject itself is splitting, you can use diviser when an agent is dividing an object. For example, if you are dividing a cake, you would use the non-reflexive form. If you need to specify dividing something into unequal portions, the verb fractionner can be used. Additionally, the noun fossé refers to a large chasm, gorge or ravine between two areas of land.
Meaning: separate into two or more parts (verb)
Which one should you use?
Use the reflexive form se diviser when the subject itself is being divided or is splitting into parts. Use the non-reflexive form diviser when an agent is dividing an external object.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The reflexive form se diviser means 'to divide (itself/oneself)'. In the third-person plural, the form se divisent means 'they divide (themselves)'. Conjugations of the verb diviser include Je divise (I divide), Tu divises (You divide), Il/elle divise (He/she divides), Vous divisez (You divide) and Ils/elles divisent (They divide).
Did you know?
- While diviser means 'to divide', the related French word deviser means 'to chat' or 'to gossip'. This happened because the two words were once interchangeable in Old French.
- While diviser is for physical splitting, French often uses the verb partager for dividing things like tasks, responsibilities, or even a meal.
- The word fossé, mentioned as a chasm, is also used metaphorically in French to describe a 'gap' or 'divide' between two social classes.
Examples in context
- Divisez les pommes en morceaux égauxDivide the apples into equal pieces.
- La division de ces nombres est complexeThe division of these numbers is complex.
- Partagez les bonbons entre tous les enfantsSplit the candies among all the children.
- Coupez la tarte en deux parts égalesCut the pie in half.
- La division de vingt par cinq donne quatreThe division of twenty by five equals four.
- L'opinion des gens peut se diviser.People's opinions can be divided.
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are planning a group project.
- LéaOn a trop de travail pour une seule personne.We have too much work for one person.
- GabrielOn devrait se diviser les tâches, Léa.We should divide the tasks, Léa.
- LéaC'est une excellente idée, Gabriel.That is an excellent idea, Gabriel.
- GabrielJe m'occupe de la recherche alors.I will take care of the research then.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “divide” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
