Translation guide
The English word 'cleavage' has two main meanings: the visible space between a woman's breasts, and the act of splitting or dividing something. This guide focuses on the first meaning, which is the most common and useful for learners. The second meaning is technical and less common in everyday conversation.
Referring to the visible line or space between a woman's breasts, often emphasized by clothing.
Her dress emphasizes her cleavage.
I get nervous because her cleavage is almost showing.
A more explicit phrase meaning 'cleavage of the chest'. It is slightly more descriptive than 谷間 alone.
Her cleavage is sexy.
Uses the English loanword 'bust'. It sounds a bit more technical or fashion-oriented.
This bra makes the cleavage look beautiful.
Referring to the act of splitting something, such as in geology, biology, or social contexts.
A technical term used in mineralogy for the way crystals split along planes. Not used in everyday language.
This mineral has good cleavage.
Means 'split' or 'division' in general, used for cells, groups, etc. It is not a direct translation of 'cleavage' but can be used in contexts like 'cell cleavage'.
Means 'crack' or 'fissure'. Can be used for physical splits, but not a standard translation for 'cleavage'.
Do not use 劈開 (へきかい) for the body part meaning; it is a technical term for mineral cleavage. Using it to refer to a woman's chest would be confusing and unnatural.
In casual conversation, 谷間 (たにま) is perfectly fine. In more formal or polite settings, you might avoid the topic altogether or use a euphemism like 胸元 (むなもと, chest area).
細胞分裂
cell cleavage (cell division)
岩の割れ目
a cleavage in the rock