1.
to divide, to split
To separate into parts.
ケーキを三つに分ける。
To divide the cake into three.
髪を分ける。
To part one's hair.
生徒を三つのグループに分けた。
I divided the students into three groups.
2.
to distribute, to share
To give portions to multiple recipients.
みんなに分ける。
To share with everyone.
お菓子を子供たちに分けた。
I shared the sweets among the children.
利益を均等に分ける方法を話し合った。
We discussed how to divide the profits equally.
分ける is a transitive ichidan verb meaning to divide, separate, or share.
TRANSITIVE/INTRANSITIVE PAIR:
- 分ける (他動詞): to divide/share
- 分かれる (自動詞): to split up, part ways
SENSE 1 - DIVIDE:
- ケーキを三つに分ける: divide cake into three
- 髪を分ける: to part one's hair
- グループに分ける: to divide into groups
SENSE 2 - SHARE/DISTRIBUTE:
- みんなに分ける: to share with everyone
- 均等に分ける: to divide equally
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 区別して分ける: to sort/categorize
- 勝負を分ける: to decide the match
- 色で分ける: to sort by color