1.
to split in two; to divide in half; to break into two pieces
To divide one object into two parts, either physically (breaking, cutting) or figuratively (splitting a group, opinion, or share).
Productive pattern with 数詞 + に割る ("split into N parts"). The figurative use, especially 意見を二つに割る or 世論を二つに割る, is very common.
Common collocations
- ケーキ/パンを二つに割る: to split a cake/bread in two
- 意見を二つに割る: to split opinion in two
- 世論を二つに割る: to divide public opinion
- チームを二つに割る: to split a team into two groups
Similar words
- 半分にする: to halve — focus on the result (each half equal)
- 二つに分ける: to divide in two — softer, may use non-physical division (sorting)
- 二分する: to bisect; to split in two — more formal/written
Common patterns
The pattern extends to other numbers: 三つに割る (split in three), 四つに割る (split in four), etc.
Related Words
Compare:
二分 (to bisect)