Meanings of 分手
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 分手
Podcast: 分手
Podcast: 分手
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 分手
分开 (fēnkāi) vs 离开 (líkāi) — use 分手 specifically for ending romantic relationships, while 分开 is more general for parting, and 离开 refers to leaving a place or situation.
Imagine a couple holding hands, but suddenly they '分' (fen) their hands and '手' (shou) is left alone. The image of their hands parting can help you remember that 分手 means to break up.
When using 分手, it is important to ensure the context is clear, as it specifically refers to romantic relationships rather than friendships or business partnerships. A common mistake is using it in an informal tone when discussing serious matters, which may come off as insensitive.
As an HSK 5 word, 分手 connects with other relationship-related vocabulary such as 恋爱 (lian4 ai4 - to be in love) and 交往 (jiao1 wang3 - to associate with). Students should focus on using it in conversations about personal experiences and emotions.
In Chinese culture, discussions about relationships can be quite private and sensitive, making the act of 分手 a significant event often accompanied by family involvement or societal expectations.
Learners often confuse 分手 with other forms of parting, mistakenly saying '我和朋友分手' (wo3 he2 peng2 you3 fen1 shou3 - I broke up with my friend) instead of '我和朋友不再联系'. Ensure the phrase is used exclusively for romantic breakups.
Pronunciation of 分手
Drill the tone of 分手 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Component Characters
Write 分手
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 分手 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 分手
分手 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 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.
Complete the Sentence
____了就分手了，以后会遇到更好的。
If you broke up, you broke up — you will meet someone better.
Example Sentences for 分手 (2)
Cultural Notes for 分手
In Chinese culture, discussions about relationships can be quite private and sensitive, making the act of 分手 a significant event often accompanied by family involvement or societal expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions about 分手
No, 分手 specifically refers to romantic relationships. For friendships, you might use 断交 (duan4 jiao1) or just say '不再联系' (bu4 zai4 lian2 xi4) to indicate no longer keeping in touch.