dividing line; parting; partition
Refers to a physical line or point where something is divided, such as a hair parting, a boundary, or a partition.
Changing my hair parting changed my look.
This river serves as the dividing line between the two prefectures.
Figurative use for a critical juncture or turning point where the outcome is decided. Often used in phrases like 勝負の分け目.
The second half of this match will be the decisive moment.
I feel like I'm standing at a crossroads in my life.
decisive moment; fateful turning point; climactic battle
Standard spelling.
Irregular okurigana usage; less common but still encountered.
Compound of 分け (wake, 'dividing') + 目 (me, 'point' or 'juncture'). The figurative sense of 'crisis' derives from the idea of a dividing point where outcomes diverge.