分开

fēn kāi

to separate

请把这些纸张分开

Please separate these papers

general

To divide or separate things or people into different parts or groups

他们决定分开生活

They decided to live separately

这对夫妇分开已经五年了

This couple has been separated for five years

Can be used for physical objects, people, or abstract concepts

informal

To end a relationship (romantic or otherwise)

他们因为意见不合而分开

They broke up because they disagreed

Often used for romantic relationships

Collocations

分开生活to live separately分开工作to work separately分开行动to act separately

to break up (romantically)

to go one's separate ways

分开 is commonly used for both physical separation and ending relationships

When used for relationships, it implies a permanent or long-term separation

From 分 (to divide) + 开 (to open or separate)

Can be used both literally (for physical separation) and figuratively (for ending relationships)

分

to divide

root

开

to open or separate

root

汉英词典