1.
breakup talk; talk of separation; discussion about ending a relationship
A conversation in which one or both parties discuss ending a romantic relationship or marriage.
別れ話を切り出す。
To bring up the topic of breaking up.
彼女から別れ話をされた。
My girlfriend brought up breaking up with me.
何度も別れ話が出たが、結局やり直すことにした。
The topic of breaking up came up many times, but in the end they decided to try again.
Compound of 別れ (separation) + 話 (talk). Refers specifically to the conversation about ending a romantic relationship, not the breakup itself.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 別れ話を切り出す: to bring up the topic of breaking up
- 別れ話をされる: to be told about a breakup (by one's partner)
- 別れ話がこじれる: for the breakup discussion to get complicated
USAGE:
Most commonly used for romantic relationships and marriages. The word implies a serious, deliberate conversation rather than a casual mention. Often appears in contexts where someone is dreading or struggling with the conversation.