1.
discretion; good judgment; discernment; common sense
The ability to make sound, mature judgments about right and wrong or appropriate behavior. Implies wisdom that comes with experience and maturity.
分別のある大人になりなさい。
Become a sensible adult.
もう少し分別をもって行動してほしい。
I wish you would act with a bit more discretion.
彼は若いのに分別があって、周りから信頼されている。
Despite being young, he has good judgment and is trusted by those around him.
Read as ふんべつ, this word means discretion or good judgment. Note the different reading 分別 (sorting, separation — e.g., garbage sorting), which is a separate word with an existing entry.
READING NOTE:
The reading is critical here:
- ふんべつ = discretion, good judgment (this entry)
- ぶんべつ = sorting, separation (see separate entry)
USAGE:
Often used in the patterns 分別のある (having discretion) and 分別がつく (to gain judgment/maturity). The word has a slightly old-fashioned, moral tone and is often used when admonishing someone to behave more maturely.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 分別のある — having discretion/good sense
- 分別がつく — to gain judgment, to become mature enough to know better
- 分別をわきまえる — to know good judgment
- 分別盛り — at the age of discretion
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 判断力 — judgment, ability to judge (more neutral)
- 良識 — good sense, common sense (more formal)
- 思慮 — deliberation, prudence (more literary)