1.
sorting; separation; classification
The act of separating items into different categories, most commonly used for garbage/recycling sorting.
ゴミの分別をする。
To sort the garbage.
分別ルールは地域によって違う。
Sorting rules differ by region.
きちんと分別しないと回収してもらえない。
If you don't sort properly, they won't collect it.
READING NOTE:
This word is read ぶんべつ when referring to sorting/separation.
A different reading, ふんべつ, means "discretion, good sense" - a completely different word.
GARBAGE SORTING IN JAPAN:
Japan has strict garbage sorting rules. Common categories include:
- 可燃ゴミ - burnable garbage
- 不燃ゴミ - non-burnable garbage
- 資源ゴミ - recyclables
- 粗大ゴミ - bulky garbage
COLLOCATIONS:
- ゴミの分別 - garbage sorting
- 分別ルール - sorting rules
- 分別収集 - sorted collection