Vocapedia
Log inTry for Free

Looking up...

Words

  • Words of the Year
  • Recent Lookups
  • My Dictionary

Languages

  • English
  • Vietnamese
  • Japanese
  • Chinese
  • Spanish
  • French
  • Korean
  • German

Features

  • Words of the Year
  • My Collections List
  • Reviews
  • Learning Resources
  • Community Collections

Learn

  • How It Works
  • Study Guides
  • Language Tips
  • FAQ
  • Getting Started
  • For Individuals
  • For Teachers

Community

  • Forum
  • Blog
  • Help Center
  • Partnerships

About

  • About Vocapedia
  • Contact Us
  • Feedback

Legal

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Accessibility
  • GDPR Compliance
© 2026 Vocapedia. All rights reserved.

分解

fēn jiě
verb★Intermediate💡 break down
formal

To separate something into its constituent parts or components.

化学家能够将水分解成氢和氧。

Chemists can decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen.

这个软件可以将大文件分解成多个小文件。

This software can split large files into multiple smaller files.

💡

Often used in scientific, technical, or analytical contexts.

formal

To analyze or explain something in detail by breaking it into smaller parts.

我们需要分解这个理论的每一个论点。

We need to break down each argument of this theory.

💡

Common in academic, philosophical, or logical discussions.

⚙️Engineering
technical

To dismantle or disassemble something into its basic elements.

工程师正在分解发动机以进行维修。

The engineer is dismantling the engine for repair.

💡

Used in mechanical or structural contexts.

Collocations

分解成break down into将...分解decompose分解问题break down a problem

Synonyms

拆解分析解析

Antonyms

组合合并组装

Related Phrases

分解反应phrase
decomposition reaction
分解代谢phrase
catabolism (metabolic breakdown)
分解图phrase
exploded view (engineering diagram)

💡Pro Tip

Common Mistakes

Do not confuse '分解' with '溶解' (dissolve) or '消化' (digest). '分解' emphasizes separation into components, not chemical dissolution or biological digestion.

⚡Gold Rule

When to Use '分解'

Use '分解' when referring to: 1. Breaking down physical objects (e.g., machinery, molecules). 2. Analyzing complex ideas, theories, or problems into smaller parts. 3. Dismantling systems or processes for study or repair.

📖Word Origin

The word '分解' (fēn jiě) is composed of two Chinese characters: '分' (fēn), meaning 'to divide' or 'to separate,' and '解' (jiě), meaning 'to loosen,' 'to explain,' or 'to untie.' The compound verb emerged in Classical Chinese, reflecting the dual sense of physical separation and analytical breakdown. The character '解' also carries connotations of understanding or resolving, extending the term's application to conceptual analysis.

📝Usage Notes

1. In scientific contexts, '分解' often implies chemical or physical decomposition (e.g., 分解反应). 2. In mathematics or logic, it refers to breaking down complex structures into simpler components. 3. Avoid using '分解' for 'dissolving' (use 溶解) or 'digesting' (use 消化).

Word Breakdown

分
to divide, to separate
root
+
解
to loosen, to explain, to untie
root
汉英词典

Learning Progress

Track your learning journey!

• Save words to build your vocabulary

• Monitor your daily streak

• Get personalized review reminders

• See words learned statistics

Log in to access advanced features and track your progress!

Go to Dashboard →

Recent Lookups

The most recent words being looked up. Stay up to date with what language learners are exploring.