分わかつ

godan verb (-tsu), transitive verb

divide; separate; split

Used for physically or conceptually dividing something into parts, or separating things from each other. Often found in formal or written contexts; in everyday speech 分ける is more common.

• 土と地ちを三みっつに分わかつ。

  Divide the land into three parts.

• 善ぜんと悪あくを分わかつ境きょう界かい。

  The boundary that separates good and evil.

godan verb (-tsu), transitive verb

share; distribute; apportion

Refers to giving out portions of something among people. The sense info notes an alternative kanji 頒つ, but that is very rare. In modern Japanese, 分ける or 分配する are more common for this meaning.

• 戦せん利り品ひんを皆みなに分わかつ。

  Distribute the spoils of war among everyone.

• 富とみを公こう平へいに分わかつべきだ。

  Wealth should be shared fairly.

godan verb (-tsu), transitive verb

distinguish; tell apart; discern

Used for making a clear distinction between two things, often in abstract or formal contexts. 区別する is the everyday equivalent.

• 両りょう者しゃを分わかつのは難むずかしい。

  It is difficult to distinguish between the two.

• 公こう私しを分わかたねばならない。

  One must distinguish between public and private matters.