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March 24, 2026
分别(分別)fēnbié(fen1bie2)
分别 (fēnbié) refers to the act of parting ways or leaving each other, often after a meeting or gathering. It can also mean to distinguish between different things or to do something in various ways. This word is commonly used in both emotional contexts, such as farewells, and analytical contexts, such as making distinctions.
Frequency#5151DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, farewells can be quite significant and emotional, making 分别 a word laden with sentiment. It is common to express well wishes during a 分别, reflecting the importance of relationships and the value placed on connections.
Memory Tip
Think of 分 (fēn) as dividing something into parts, and 别 (bié) as 'not' or 'separate.' Picture two friends saying goodbye at a train station, each going in different directions, symbolizing 分别. The sound 'fēn' can remind you of 'fun' that they had together before separating.
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AI Study Notes for 分别
Quick Contrast
分别 (fēnbié) vs 区别 (qūbié) — use 分别 when emphasizing the act of parting or leaving, while 区别 focuses more on the act of distinguishing between differences.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 分 (fēn) as dividing something into parts, and 别 (bié) as 'not' or 'separate.' Picture two friends saying goodbye at a train station, each going in different directions, symbolizing 分别. The sound 'fēn' can remind you of 'fun' that they had together before separating.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is using 分别 in contexts where 'separately' is not intended, leading to awkward phrasing. It is typically used in both formal and informal contexts but be cautious with tone: using the wrong tone can change the meaning. Collocations include '分别进行' (to conduct separately) and '分别对待' (to treat differently).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 分别 connects to other words that denote separation or distinction, such as 分开 (fēnkāi) for 'to separate' and 区别 (qūbié) for 'difference.' Students should practice using 分别 in sentences that involve both physical and abstract separations to grasp its full range of meanings.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, farewells can be quite significant and emotional, making 分别 a word laden with sentiment. It is common to express well wishes during a 分别, reflecting the importance of relationships and the value placed on connections.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 分别 with 一起 (yīqǐ, 'together'), mistakenly saying '我们分别一起去' (We will go together separately), which is contradictory. The correct phrasing would be '我们分别去' (We will go separately).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 分别
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Grammar Patterns of 分别
分别 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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Cultural Notes for 分别
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, farewells can be quite significant and emotional, making 分别 a word laden with sentiment. It is common to express well wishes during a 分别, reflecting the importance of relationships and the value placed on connections.
Frequently Asked Questions about 分别
Yes, 分别 is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile in writing.
Yes, 分别 emphasizes the action of parting or doing things separately, while 区别 focuses on the act of distinguishing or differentiating.
An example would be: '我们分别去旅游' (We will travel separately).
