Translation guide
The English phrase "pull apart" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: physically separating things, tearing something into pieces, and criticizing or analyzing something in detail.
To pull two objects away from each other, often when they are stuck, attached, or held together.
General term for pulling two things apart, often used for separating people or objects that are close together.
I pulled apart the two people who were fighting.
Often used for pulling apart things that are stuck or tangled, like wires or threads.
I pulled apart the tangled threads.
Emphasizes peeling or prying apart things that are stuck together, like stickers or glued items.
I pulled the poster apart from the wall.
To pull something so that it breaks into smaller parts, like paper, bread, or meat.
Common verb for tearing or ripping something apart, especially along a grain or seam.
He pulled the letter apart into small pieces.
Emphasizes the action of pulling forcefully to tear apart.
Often used for tearing soft items like bread or paper by hand, without tools.
To examine or criticize something in great detail, often pointing out flaws.
Means to criticize thoroughly, pulling apart an argument or work.
His theory was pulled apart by experts.
Colloquial term for harshly criticizing or tearing apart someone's work or idea.
Neutral term for analyzing something in detail, pulling it apart to understand it.
彼女は怒って書類を引き裂いた。
She angrily pulled the documents apart.
I pulled the bread apart into small pieces and put them in the soup.
The film critic pulled the movie apart.
We pulled the data apart and found the issues.