割る
waru[β̞a̠ɾɯ̟]
To divide in Japanese is 割る (waru).
割る means to separate something into two or more parts. This includes mathematical division and the physical act of breaking or cracking something, such as a piece of glass or an egg.
Meaning: separate into two or more parts (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 割る is the standard verb, you may encounter other terms depending on the context. For a more formal way to denote the act of partitioning or dividing something into separate parts, use the compound verb 分割する. Conversely, if you want to describe dividing something roughly or abruptly in a colloquial manner, use ぶった切る.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using 割る for mathematical division, the number you are dividing by is marked with the particle で.
How do you pronounce it?
waru
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the word for 'half' 半分 is closely tied to 割る, and the term 割り勘 (warikan) describes splitting a bill equally among a group.
- The expression 割に合う uses the root of 割る to describe whether the result or reward is proportionate to the effort spent.
- In a business context, 分割払い refers to paying for an item in installments, literally dividing the total cost into smaller time-based parts.
Examples in context
- 自治体を３つに割るTo divide a municipality into three municipalitiesThis sentence is useful for seeing how to divide a municipality into three parts using 割る.
- １２を３で割ると４になる。Divide twelve by three and you get four.This sentence shows how to use 割る in a mathematical context to divide twelve by three.
- この問題を二つの部分に分割しましょう。Let's divide this problem into two parts.
- この地域を二つに分けることができます。We can divide this region into two parts.
- これを二つにわけましょう！Let's divide this into two!
- 彼は突然会議をぶった切ったよ。He abruptly ended the meeting.
Example conversation
Two students are working on a project together.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの作業をどうやって分担しようか？kono sagyō o dō yatte buntan shiyō ka?How should we share this work?
- 陽葵 Himariタスクを二つに割るのがいいと思うよ。tasuku o futatsu ni waru no ga ii to omou yo.I think it's best to divide the tasks into two.
- 大翔 Hirotoいい考えだね。じゃあ、僕がここをやるよ。ii kangae da ne. jaa, boku ga koko o yaru yo.That's a good idea. I'll do this part then.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう、大翔。助かるよ。arigatō, Hiroto. tasukaru yo.Thanks, Hiroto. That helps.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 割る, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
