1.
distribution, allotment, sharing out
The act of dividing and distributing something among multiple recipients, such as profits, resources, or tasks.
利益を分配する。
To distribute the profits.
食料を公平に分配した。
The food was distributed fairly.
富の分配が不均等であることが社会問題になっている。
The unequal distribution of wealth has become a social issue.
Compound of 分 (to divide) + 配 (to distribute). Used in economic, social, and everyday contexts.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 分配する (to distribute, to allocate)
- 利益の分配 (profit distribution)
- 富の分配 (distribution of wealth)
- 所得分配 (income distribution)
- 再分配 (redistribution)
- 均等に分配する (to distribute evenly)
- 分配金 (dividend, distribution payment)
DISTINCTIONS:
- 分配: distributing shares to multiple recipients (emphasis on giving portions to each)
- 配分: allocation, apportioning (emphasis on deciding how much goes where)
- 配布: handing out, distributing (printed materials, goods — not dividing a total)