noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
two groups; two parties; two forces
Refers to splitting into two distinct groups, often in competitive or strategic contexts like sports, games, or military operations.
生徒たちは二手に分かれてゲームをした。
The students split into two groups and played a game.
警察は二手に分かれて犯人を追った。
The police split into two parties and pursued the suspect.
Common phrase meaning 'to split into two groups'; the noun 二手 is often used in this construction.
Compound of 二 (ふた, 'two') and 手 (て, 'hand; group; party'). The reading ふたて is a regular combination of the two elements.