Meanings of 分
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About 分
Podcast: 分
Podcast: 分
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AI Study Notes for 分
分 (fēn) vs 划 (huá) — choose 分 when referring to dividing or separating items or quantities, while 划 is used more for dividing or delineating in a more abstract or planned manner.
A common mistake is to confuse 分 (fēn) with other similar characters like 份 (fèn), which also relates to 'part' but in a different context. This character can be used in both formal and informal settings, but be mindful of the context when discussing financial values as it denotes precise amounts.
As an HSK Level 3 word, 分 connects well with other measurement and quantity-related vocabulary. Focus on its various uses in dividing, distinguishing, and measuring, as well as its pronunciation and tonal nuances to avoid common errors.
Learners often confuse 分 (fēn) with 份 (fèn), mistakenly using one when they mean the other. For example, saying '我有三分' (Wǒ yǒu sān fēn) instead of '我有三份' (Wǒ yǒu sān fèn) to mean 'I have three portions'.
Pronunciation of 分
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Etymology of 分
Depicts a knife ( 刀 ) being used to cut two things apart (八).
Pieces 八 being further subdivided with a knife 刀
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 分
Depicts a knife ( 刀 ) being used to cut two things apart (八).
- 1The giveawayPieces 八 being further subdivided with a knife 刀
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 分? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 分?
Decomposition of 分
Identify the Components
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How to say to divide in Chinese
“to divide” in Chinese is分
The character 分 (fēn) means 'to divide' or 'to separate', and is often used in contexts involving allocation or distribution. It can refer to dividing quantities, distinguishing qualities, or even measuring time. Additionally, it serves as a unit of measurement in Chinese currency and length.
When to use 分
A common mistake is to confuse 分 (fēn) with other similar characters like 份 (fèn), which also relates to 'part' but in a different context. This character can be used in both formal and informal settings, but be mindful of the context when discussing financial values as it denotes precise amounts.
分 or something close to it
分 (fēn) vs 划 (huá) — choose 分 when referring to dividing or separating items or quantities, while 划 is used more for dividing or delineating in a more abstract or planned manner.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 分 (fēn) with 份 (fèn), mistakenly using one when they mean the other. For example, saying '我有三分' (Wǒ yǒu sān fēn) instead of '我有三份' (Wǒ yǒu sān fèn) to mean 'I have three portions'.
Write 分
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Practice writing 分 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 分
分 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 17 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
十五块六毛三____。
15.63 yuan.
Example Sentences for 分 (16)
Cultural Notes for 分
In Western cultures, the idea of dividing resources can sometimes focus on individualism, whereas in Chinese culture, there is often a stronger emphasis on community sharing and collective benefit.
Word Family of 分
Compound Meaning
What does 份 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 分
You can say '我分给你一部分' (Wǒ fēn gěi nǐ yī bùfen) meaning 'I will divide a portion for you'.
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