分裂

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. 细胞通过分裂繁殖。▶ —
   Cells reproduce by dividing.
2. 内部矛盾导致组织分裂。▶ —
   Internal conflict led to a split in the organization.

Collocations

Mnemonic

分 fēn "to divide" + 裂 liè "to split, tear": to divide and tear apart, i.e. to split, to break up. Same as the Korean word bun-yeol (分裂). Two shades: biological cell division (细胞分裂) and a group or nation splitting apart (组织分裂). 裂 means "to rip" (破裂 to burst, 裂缝 a crack). Its opposite is 统一 or 团结 (unity).

Related

Quick check

1. What does 分裂 mean in 细胞分裂?

   • a cell dividing apart
   • cells merging
   • cells dying
   • cells growing