Translation guide
The concept that something cannot be divided or separated. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed using nouns like 不可分 (fukabun) or 不可分性 (fukabunsei), or by describing something as 分けられない (wakerarenai).
Expressing that something cannot be divided into parts or separated, in a general or abstract sense.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'indivisible' or 'inseparable'. Commonly used in formal, technical, or philosophical contexts.
この二つの問題は不可分だ。
These two issues are indivisible.
A noun specifically meaning 'indivisibility' as a property or quality. Used in academic or legal contexts.
国家の不可分性は憲法で保障されている。
The indivisibility of the nation is guaranteed by the constitution.
The negative potential form of 分ける (to divide), meaning 'cannot be divided'. More colloquial than 不可分.
この土地は分けられない。
This land cannot be divided.
Literally 'cannot be cut apart', used for things that are inseparable or closely connected.
自由と責任は切り離せない。
Freedom and responsibility are indivisible.
Referring to the indivisibility of concepts like rights, sovereignty, or principles.
Used in formal statements about abstract indivisibility.
人権は不可分であり、相互に依存している。
Human rights are indivisible and interdependent.
A compound meaning 'united and indivisible', often used in political or philosophical discourse.
平和と安全は一体不可分である。
Peace and security are indivisible.
Referring to the property of being indivisible in scientific contexts, such as atoms or particles.
Used in scientific contexts to describe indivisible units.
かつて原子は不可分だと考えられていた。
Atoms were once thought to be indivisible.
A more technical term meaning 'indivisible' or 'impossible to divide', used in mathematics or logic.
この数は分割不可能である。
This number is indivisible.
不可分 is a formal, often written term used in technical, legal, or philosophical contexts. 分けられない is the everyday spoken way to say something cannot be divided. Use 不可分 for abstract or official indivisibility, and 分けられない for concrete, physical indivisibility in casual conversation.
When the nuance is more about things being inseparable or closely linked rather than strictly indivisible, 切り離せない is a natural choice. It implies a strong connection that cannot be severed.
国家の不可分性は基本原則である。
The indivisibility of the nation is a fundamental principle.
この二つの概念は不可分だ。
These two concepts are indivisible.