Translation and Meaning of: 分離 - bunri

The Japanese word 「分離」 (bunri) consists of two kanji: 「分」, which means "part" or "to separate", and 「離」, which means "to leave" or "to distance". The combination of these kanji forms the term 「分離」, which can be translated as "separation" or "division". This word is used in various contexts, ranging from the separation of physical objects to more abstract concepts like the dissociation of ideas.

The kanji 「分」 (bun) is one of the oldest characters in the Japanese language, derived from Chinese characters that indicate division or a part of a whole. The radical used is similar to the concept of partition and is widely used in words related to fractions, minutes, and percentages. The kanji 「離」 (ri) has the radical 「隹」, often associated with birds or flight, indicating the idea of distancing or leaving a place.

Originally, the evolution of the concept of 「分離」 is rooted in the need to categorize and classify objects and ideas in the world. For example, in science, the separation of mixtures into their fundamental components is essential, and the word fits perfectly in this context. Furthermore, in social aspects, the separation of individuals or groups can be referred to as 「分離」, without negative connotations, simply describing a state of distancing.

It is interesting to note that the word has variations, such as 「分離する」 (bunri suru), used as a verb, meaning "to separate" or "to divide." Another common variation is 「分離的」 (bunteki), which is an adjective, referring to something "separative" or related to separation. These forms reflect the flexibility of the Japanese language in adapting for different contexts and parts of speech.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 分断 (Bundan) - Division, separation (usually in social or political contexts)
• 分割 (Bunkatsu) - Division, partitioning (usually used in contexts of dividing something into parts)
• 分離する (Bunri suru) - Separate, dissociate (emphasizes the idea of making something separate)
• 切り離す (Kirihanasu) - Unattach, disconnect (used to cut a connection)
• 切り分ける (Kiriwakeru) - Cut into parts (emphasizes the act of physically dividing)