1.
to be divided, to split into, to branch off
For something to separate into two or more parts. Used for roads branching, groups splitting, opinions diverging, etc.
道が二つに分かれている。
The road splits into two.
意見が賛成と反対に分かれた。
Opinions were divided between for and against.
この川は下流で三つに分かれている。
This river branches into three downstream.
2.
to be classified into, to fall into categories
To be divided into distinct categories or types.
動物はいくつかのグループに分かれる。
Animals are classified into several groups.
日本語の動詞は五段と一段に分かれます。
Japanese verbs are divided into godan and ichidan types.
TRANSITIVITY:
自動詞 (intransitive). Pair: 分ける (transitive, to divide/separate). Pattern: Xが（Yに）分かれる.
ASPECT (ている):
分かれている indicates a resulting state: "is divided/split."
KANJI NOTE:
分かれる and 別れる are both read わかれる but differ in meaning. 分かれる means "to split/divide" (one thing becomes multiple), while 別れる means "to part/say goodbye" (people separate from each other).
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 道が分かれる (a road forks)
- 意見が分かれる (opinions are divided)
- AとBに分かれる (to split into A and B)