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.
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.