分ける
wakeru[β̞a̠ke̞ɾɯ̟]
The English verb 'separate' can be translated into Japanese as 分ける (wakeru).
分ける is a transitive verb used to mean 'to divide' or 'to separate'. Because it is transitive, it requires an object, such as in the phrase 'to separate the trash'.
Meaning: to divide into separate parts (verb)
Which one should you use?
There are several ways to express different types of separation in Japanese. Use 分ける when you are actively separating something (transitive). In contrast, use 分かれる to describe things that separate themselves or become divided (intransitive). For physical distance, 離れる is used to describe things that are physically separated or apart from each other. If you mean 'to part', use 別れる. Finally, if you mean 'to differ', use 違う.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that something is being separated or divided, you can use the passive form 分けられる. If you wish to give a polite command or request to separate something, use the te-form 分けて.
Did you know?
- In traditional Japanese aesthetics, the concept of 間 (ma) focuses on the space created when things are separated, treating the gap as a meaningful element rather than a void.
- The kanji used in 分ける, composed of 'knife' and 'eight', suggests the ancient act of dividing something into parts using a blade.
- The kanji 分 inside 分ける is also the character for 'minute' in time, reflecting the historical idea of dividing an hour into smaller parts.
Examples in context
- 分けてください。Please separate it.
- 別々にしてください。Please keep them separate.
- ここで別れましょう。Let's part ways here.
- 二つは離れています。The two are separated.
- ゴミを種類ごとに分ける。Gomi o shurui goto ni wakeru.Divide the trash into types.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 分ける, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
