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A2 verb #4,000 가장 일반적인 14분 분량

分手

상위 4,000

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설명 分手 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that '分手' (fēnshǒu) means 'to break up.' It is a very important word if you want to talk about people's lives. The first part '分' means to separate, and '手' means hand. Think of it as 'letting go of hands.' You use it with the word '了' (le) to say it already happened. For example: '我们分手了' means 'We broke up.' You usually use it for boyfriends and girlfriends. Don't use it for friends or family. Just remember: 'A and B fēnshǒu le.' It is a simple way to tell someone that two people are not together anymore. You will see this word in many simple songs and stories about love.

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For A2 learners, '分手' (fēnshǒu) is a key verb for discussing personal relationships. You need to know the grammar: you must use '跟' (gēn) or '和' (hé) to say 'with.' You cannot say 'I break up him.' You must say '我和他分手了.' Also, it is a 'separable verb.' This means you can put other words between '分' and '手.' For example, '分了手' (already broke up). At this level, you should also know that it is mostly for romantic partners who are not married. If they are married, you use '离婚.' You will hear '分手' often in TV shows. It's a very common word in daily life when talking about friends or celebrities.

At the B1 level, you should understand the emotional and social weight of '分手' (fēnshǒu). It's not just a verb; it's a significant event. You can use it as a noun, like in '痛苦的分手' (a painful breakup). You should also learn common phrases like '和平分手' (amicable breakup). This level requires you to handle the 'separable' nature of the verb more naturally, such as '分过一次手' (broke up once). You should also be able to distinguish it from slang like '吹了' (chuī le), which is more casual. Understanding the reasons for a '分手' (like '性格不合' - personality clash) is also a good vocabulary goal for this level.

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B2 learners should be comfortable using '分手' (fēnshǒu) in more complex discussions. This includes using passive structures like '被分手' (to be dumped) and understanding its use in literature and news. You should know related terms like '分手费' (breakup fee) and the cultural implications of breaking up in a society that values long-term stability. You can also use '分手' metaphorically, though it is still primarily romantic. At this stage, you should be able to debate the pros and cons of '分手后还是朋友' (staying friends after a breakup) using a variety of supporting vocabulary. Your pronunciation should be clear, especially the third tone on 'shǒu'.

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At the C1 level, '分手' (fēnshǒu) is a word you know perfectly, but you should now focus on its synonyms and the nuances of register. You should understand the difference between '分手', '离异', '断绝关系', and '解散'. You can analyze how '分手' is used in lyrics to evoke specific emotions. You should be familiar with idioms that relate to separation, even if they don't use the word '分手' directly. Your ability to discuss the psychological impact of a '分手' using sophisticated vocabulary (like '心理创伤' - psychological trauma) is expected. You should also understand the historical evolution of the term from a literal parting of ways to its modern romantic meaning.

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For C2 speakers, '分手' (fēnshǒu) is a simple tool in a very large kit. You can use it with precision, choosing it over other terms to convey a specific level of formality or emotional distance. You can appreciate the word's role in the 'aesthetic of sorrow' in Chinese art and literature. You might use it in a highly metaphorical sense in a political or philosophical essay to describe the divergence of two schools of thought or two historical eras. At this level, you have a deep understanding of the cultural 'scripts' surrounding a '分手' in different Chinese-speaking regions and can navigate these conversations with native-level sensitivity and sophistication.

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分手 30초 만에

分手 (fēnshǒu) means to break up a romantic relationship.
Literally 'parting hands,' it is the most common term for ending a romance.
It is a separable verb, requiring '跟' or '和' to say 'with someone'.
Common in songs and TV dramas, it signifies a major emotional life event.

The Chinese term 分手 (fēnshǒu) is the standard and most common way to describe the act of breaking up or ending a romantic relationship. At its most basic level, the word is composed of two characters: 分 (fēn), meaning 'to divide' or 'to separate,' and 手 (shǒu), meaning 'hand.' Literally, it translates to 'parting hands.' This evocative imagery suggests two people who were once holding hands—symbolizing their union and intimacy—now letting go and moving in different directions. While it sounds poetic, in modern Mandarin, it is the direct equivalent of the English 'to break up.' It is used by people of all ages, though it is particularly prevalent in the dating culture of young adults and teenagers. You will hear it in almost every romantic TV drama (C-dramas), Mandopop song, and casual conversation about relationships.

Literal Meaning: To separate hands; to part ways.
Primary Usage: Ending a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship or a non-marital romantic partnership.
Emotional Nuance: Can range from a mutual, peaceful agreement to a traumatic, one-sided decision.

Understanding when to use 分手 requires recognizing that it is specifically for romantic contexts. Unlike the English word 'separate,' which can apply to a business partnership or a physical distance between objects, 分手 is almost exclusively reserved for lovers. If a business partnership ends, one might use 拆伙 (chāihuǒ). If friends stop being friends, they might use 绝交 (juéjiāo). The specific power of 分手 lies in its focus on the emotional bond. It captures the moment the 'we' becomes 'I' and 'you' again. It is a transition word, marking the end of a chapter.

我们上个星期分手了。 (Wǒmen shàng gè xīngqī fēnshǒu le.) — We broke up last week.

In terms of social dynamics, the phrase 分手 often carries a heavy weight in Chinese culture, where long-term relationships are frequently viewed with an eye toward marriage. Therefore, 'breaking up' isn't just a change in status; it is often seen as a significant life event that involves family expectations and social standing. However, among the younger generation, the term is used more freely to describe the natural conclusion of dating phases. Whether it is a 'peaceful breakup' (和平分手 hépíng fēnshǒu) or a messy one, the term remains the anchor for the conversation.

Furthermore, 分手 functions as a 'separable verb' (离合词 líhécí). This means the two characters can be split to include other words, such as duration or intensity. For example, 分了手 (fēn le shǒu) indicates the action has already happened. This grammatical flexibility allows speakers to emphasize different aspects of the breakup, such as how long it has been or the finality of the act. In literature and music, the term is often romanticized, portraying the 'parting of hands' as a moment of profound sorrow or a necessary step toward personal growth and freedom.

他不想和你分手。 (Tā bù xiǎng hé nǐ fēnshǒu.) — He doesn't want to break up with you.

Cultural Context: In China, '分手' is a major theme in 'KTV culture,' where countless ballads revolve around the pain of parting.
Register: Neutral to Formal. It is appropriate for news, therapy, and heart-to-heart talks.

Finally, it is worth noting that while 分手 is the most common term, it is not the only one. However, for an A2 learner, mastering this word is essential because it is the baseline. It is the word you will use to tell your friends about your status, the word you will see in subtitles, and the word that carries the most universal understanding across all Chinese-speaking regions, from Beijing to Taipei to Singapore.

Using 分手 (fēnshǒu) correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure as a verb-object compound. Unlike English where you can say 'I broke up with him,' the Chinese structure usually requires a preposition like 跟 (gēn) or 和 (hé), meaning 'with.' The basic formula is: A 跟 B 分手. This clearly defines who is parting ways with whom. You can also use it as a collective subject: 我们分手了 (We have broken up). The addition of 了 (le) is crucial here as it signifies a change of state—you were together, and now you are not.

Pattern 1: The Collective Breakup: [People] + 分手 + 了. Example: 他们分手了。 (They broke up.)
Pattern 2: The Individual Action: A + 跟/和 + B + 分手. Example: 我跟他分手了。 (I broke up with him.)
Pattern 3: The Suggestion: 我们 + 分手 + 吧。 (Let's break up.)

One of the most important aspects of 分手 is that it is a 'separable verb.' In Chinese, this means the 'verb' part (分) and the 'object' part (手) can be separated by other elements. For instance, if you want to say 'we have been broken up for three years,' you would say 我们分了三年的手 (literally: We separated three years of hand). While this might sound strange to English speakers, it is the standard way to express duration or frequency with this type of verb. However, for beginners, it is often safer and more common to say 我们分手三年了, which treats the breakup as a completed event that happened three years ago.

你为什么要跟我分手？ (Nǐ wèishéme yào gēn wǒ fēnshǒu?) — Why do you want to break up with me?

The word can also be used as a noun in certain contexts, particularly when modified by adjectives. You might hear about a 'painful breakup' (痛苦的分手 tòngkǔ de fēnshǒu) or a 'sudden breakup' (突然的分手 tūrán de fēnshǒu). In these cases, 分手 acts as the subject or object of the sentence. For example: 分手对他来说很难 (Breaking up is very hard for him). This flexibility allows the word to be used in complex discussions about the nature of relationships and the emotional aftermath of their conclusion.

In more advanced usage, you will see 分手 combined with resultative complements. For example, 分手信 (fēnshǒu xìn) is a breakup letter, and 分手费 (fēnshǒu fèi) is a 'breakup fee' (sometimes paid in high-profile or complicated separations). The word also appears in various idioms and common phrases that describe the state of being single again. For example, 分手后还是朋友 (Still friends after breaking up) is a common trope discussed in Chinese social media and dating advice columns.

他们是和平分手的。 (Tāmen shì hépíng fēnshǒu de.) — They broke up amicably (peacefully).

Duration: Use '分手 + [Time]' to indicate how long it has been since the event.
Reasoning: Usually preceded by '因为' (because) to explain the cause of the breakup.

To wrap up, the key to using 分手 like a native speaker is to remember the 'With' structure and the 'Change of State' 了. Whether you are describing a dramatic exit or a quiet mutual decision, these grammatical anchors will ensure your meaning is clear and natural. As you progress, try to notice how the word is separated in songs—it will give you a deeper feel for the rhythm of the Chinese language.

If you consume any form of Chinese media, 分手 (fēnshǒu) is practically unavoidable. It is one of the pillars of Mandopop (Mandarin popular music). Artists like Jay Chou, Jolin Tsai, and Eric Chou have built entire careers on 'breakup songs' (分手歌 fēnshǒu gē). In these songs, the word is often sung with great emotional emphasis, usually at the climax of the chorus. The lyrics often dwell on the moment of 分手, the rain during the 分手, or the inability to forget the person after 分手. For a learner, listening to these songs is an excellent way to hear the word used in various emotional contexts and to practice the tones.

Pop Culture: Endless supply of breakup ballads in KTV (Karaoke) playlists.
Social Media: Platforms like Weibo and Xiaohongshu are filled with '分手日志' (breakup journals) and advice posts.

In Chinese television dramas, especially 'Idol Dramas' (偶像剧 ǒuxiàng jù), 分手 is a central plot device. There is almost always a scene where one character says to another, “我们分手吧” (Wǒmen fēnshǒu ba). This phrase is usually followed by dramatic music and a slow-motion shot of one character walking away. You will also hear it in reality dating shows, which are immensely popular in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. In these shows, participants often discuss their '分手原因' (reasons for breaking up) with the hosts or other contestants, providing a wealth of natural, conversational examples of the word in use.

在电视剧里，他们总是在雨中分手。 (Zài diànshìjù lǐ, tāmen zǒngshì zài yǔzhōng fēnshǒu.) — In TV dramas, they always break up in the rain.

Beyond entertainment, you will hear 分手 in everyday gossip and social news. If a famous celebrity couple splits, the headline will invariably include the word 分手. In daily life, friends might ask each other, “你听说了吗？小王和他的女朋友分手了。” (Did you hear? Xiao Wang and his girlfriend broke up.) It is a standard part of the social fabric. Interestingly, the word is also used metaphorically in business or politics to describe a split between two entities, though this is less common than the romantic usage. For example, a company might 'break up' with a long-term supplier.

In the digital age, 分手 has also entered the world of internet slang. You might see the term “被分手” (bèi fēnshǒu), which means 'to be broken up with' (passive voice). This is a common way for people to express that the decision was not theirs. On social media, people often share '分手文' (breakup posts) to announce their single status to their network. These posts range from deeply emotional to surprisingly business-like, reflecting the diverse ways modern Chinese speakers navigate the end of relationships.

微博上到处都是关于那对明星分手的消息。 (Wēibó shàng dàochù dōu shì guānyú nà duì míngxīng fēnshǒu de xiāoxī.) — Weibo is full of news about that celebrity couple breaking up.

Workplace: Rarely used for quitting a job; '辞职' (cízhí) is used instead.
Literature: Often used to describe the tragic separation of star-crossed lovers.

Ultimately, 分手 is a word that resonates with universal human experience. Whether heard in a high-octane drama or a quiet conversation in a coffee shop, it carries a weight of finality and change. For a learner, hearing it 'in the wild' is a marker of understanding one of the most fundamental aspects of human interaction as expressed in the Chinese language.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using 分手 (fēnshǒu) is treating it like a transitive verb. In English, you can say 'I broke up her,' but in Chinese, you absolutely cannot say *我分手她. As mentioned before, 分手 is an intransitive verb-object compound. You must use a prepositional phrase to indicate the other person. This is a fundamental rule of Chinese grammar that applies to many common verbs like 结婚 (jiéhūn - to marry) and 见面 (jiànmiàn - to meet). If you forget the 跟 (gēn) or 和 (hé), your sentence will be grammatically incorrect and confusing.

Mistake 1: Direct Object: Saying '我分手他' instead of '我和他分手了'.
Mistake 2: Using it for Divorce: Using '分手' when you mean '离婚' (líhūn - divorce). While a divorce is a breakup, the specific legal term must be used for married couples.

Another common mistake is confusing 分手 with 分开 (fēnkāi). While 分开 also means 'to separate,' it is much more general. You can 分开 two pieces of paper, or two people can 分开 to walk in different directions without ending their relationship. Using 分开 in a romantic context can sometimes imply a temporary separation or 'taking a break,' whereas 分手 usually implies a definitive end. Learners often use 分开 because it feels closer to the English 'separate,' but 分手 is almost always the better choice for romantic breakups.

错误：我分手了我的男朋友。
正确：我和我的男朋友分手了。

Misunderstanding the separable nature of the verb is another pitfall. For example, if you want to say 'we have already broken up,' you should say 我们已经分了手 or 我们已经分手了. Some learners try to put the 了 at the very end of every sentence without considering the internal structure of the verb. While 分手了 is perfectly fine, understanding that 分了手 is also possible (and sometimes more natural in specific contexts) is a sign of a more advanced grasp of the language. However, don't overcomplicate it—sticking to the basic patterns is better than making a complex mistake.

Finally, learners sometimes use 分手 for non-romantic situations where it sounds odd. If you are leaving a party and saying goodbye to a friend, you do not 分手 with them; you 道别 (dàobié - say goodbye) or simply say 再见 (zàijiàn). Using 分手 with a platonic friend might give them the wrong idea about the nature of your relationship! Similarly, if a sports team loses a player, they don't 分手; the player 离队 (líduì - leaves the team). Always remember the romantic 'hand-holding' imagery to keep the context clear.

注意：不要对你的普通朋友说“我们分手吧”，除非你想开一个很大的玩笑。

Tone Error: Mispronouncing 'shǒu' (3rd tone) as 'shòu' (4th tone) can change the meaning or make the word unintelligible.
Cultural Sensitivity: In some traditional settings, discussing '分手' too openly can be seen as indiscreet.

In summary, the most critical things to avoid are: using it as a direct transitive verb, using it for platonic goodbyes, and confusing it with the legal term for ending a marriage. If you keep these in mind, your use of 分手 will be accurate and culturally appropriate.

While 分手 (fēnshǒu) is the go-to term, Mandarin offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific circumstances of the split. Understanding these can help you sound more like a native speaker and better understand the nuances of what people are telling you. The most common alternative in casual conversation is 吹了 (chuī le). Literally meaning 'blown,' it is a slangy way to say a relationship (or a deal) has fallen through. If someone says “他们吹了”, it’s a very informal way of saying they broke up, often implying it wasn't a very serious or long-term relationship to begin with.

吹了 (chuī le): Slang/Informal. Used for relationships that 'went south' or failed unexpectedly. '我们吹了' (We're done/It fell through).
分开 (fēnkāi): Neutral. Less definitive than '分手'. Can mean living apart or taking a break. '我们决定先分开一段时间' (We decided to separate for a while).
断绝关系 (duànjué guānxì): Formal/Strong. To sever relations. Used for very serious, often permanent breaks, including with family members.

For married couples, as mentioned, the word is 离婚 (líhūn). It is important not to use 分手 for a legal divorce, as 离婚 specifically refers to the legal dissolution of a marriage. However, a married couple might say they are 分居 (fēnjū), which means 'living separately' but not yet legally divorced. This is a common step before a final 离婚. In very formal or literary contexts, you might encounter 离异 (líyì), which is a more clinical way to say 'divorced' or 'separated,' often found on official forms or in news reports.

比较：
1. 我们分手了。(Romantic breakup)
2. 我们离婚了。(Legal divorce)
3. 我们吹了。(Slang: It fell through)

Another interesting term is 结束关系 (jiéshù guānxì), which simply means 'to end a relationship.' This is more formal and objective than 分手. It is often used in therapy or when discussing the logistics of a breakup. Then there is 告吹 (gàochuī), which is similar to 吹了 but a bit more formal, often used in newspapers to describe the failure of negotiations or a high-profile romance. If a relationship ends because one person 'dumped' the other, you would use the verb 甩 (shuǎi), which literally means 'to swing' or 'to fling.' For example, “她把他甩了” (She dumped him).

Finally, in the context of a group or a band splitting up, the word is 解散 (jiěsàn). If your favorite C-pop group stops performing together, they didn't 分手 (unless two members were dating!), they 解散-ed. Similarly, if a company closes down, it 解散. Choosing the right word depends entirely on the nature of the entity that is splitting. For romantic partners, 分手 remains the king of terms, balancing clarity, emotion, and social acceptability.

那个乐队解散了，主唱也和女朋友分手了。 (The band disbanded, and the lead singer also broke up with his girlfriend.)

甩 (shuǎi): Informal. 'To dump'. Focuses on the person who initiated the breakup.
解散 (jiěsàn): Formal. Used for organizations, teams, or musical groups.

By learning these alternatives, you not only expand your vocabulary but also gain a deeper understanding of the social nuances of Chinese life. 分手 is your foundation, but these other words provide the colors and shades to describe the complex reality of human relationships.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

In ancient times, '分手' was a polite way to say goodbye to anyone, not just romantic partners. The romantic restriction is a relatively modern development.

발음 가이드

UK /fən ʃoʊ/

US /fən ʃoʊ/

In Mandarin, there is no word stress in the English sense, but the 3rd tone on 'shǒu' often feels more emphasized due to its length.

라임이 맞는 단어

走 (zǒu) 口 (kǒu) 酒 (jiǔ) 久 (jiǔ) 狗 (gǒu) 九 (jiǔ) 后 (hòu) 有 (yǒu)

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing 'fēn' as 'fèn' (4th tone).
Pronouncing 'shǒu' as 'shòu' (4th tone).
Failing to dip low enough on the 3rd tone 'shǒu'.
Merging the two syllables into one sound.
Mispronouncing the 'f' as a 'p' sound (rare but possible for some speakers).

난이도

독해 2/5

Characters are relatively simple and common.

쓰기 3/5

Writing '分' is easy, '手' is easy, but remembering the structure '跟...分手' is the challenge.

말하기 2/5

Tones are straightforward (1 and 3).

듣기 2/5

Very common in media, easy to recognize.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

分手跟了我们

다음에 배울 것

离婚恋爱前任伤心复合

고급

情断义绝劳燕分飞藕断丝连一别两宽

알아야 할 문법

Separable Verbs (离合词)

分了手 (fēn le shǒu)

Prepositional Phrases with 跟/和

跟他分手 (gēn tā fēnshǒu)

Change of State with 了

分手了 (fēnshǒu le)

Duration with Separable Verbs

分了三年的手 (fēn le sān nián de shǒu)

Resultative Complements

分手信 (fēnshǒu xìn)

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수준별 예문

我们分手了。

We broke up.

Uses '了' to show a completed change of state.

他不开心，因为他分手了。

He is not happy because he broke up.

Simple cause and effect.

他们分手了吗？

Did they break up?

Question form with '吗'.

我不想分手。

I don't want to break up.

Negative '不想' + verb.

王先生和张小姐分手了。

Mr. Wang and Miss Zhang broke up.

Subject is 'A and B'.

分手很痛苦。

Breaking up is very painful.

Used as a subject/noun phrase.

他们去年分手了。

They broke up last year.

Time word '去年' placed before the verb.

你要分手吗？

Do you want to break up?

Direct question.

我和他分手了。

I broke up with him.

Uses the 'A 跟/和 B 分手' pattern.

我们上个星期分了手。

We broke up last week.

Separated verb: '分了手'.

分手以后，他去了北京。

After the breakup, he went to Beijing.

Using '...以后' (after).

你为什么要跟我分手？

Why do you want to break up with me?

Question with '为什么' and '跟'.

他们分手已经三天了。

They have been broken up for three days.

Duration of state.

我想跟他分手，但是我不敢。

I want to break up with him, but I don't dare.

Compound sentence with '但是'.

分手不是一件简单的事。

Breaking up is not a simple thing.

Used as a noun phrase with '不是'.

他们是和平分手的。

They broke up amicably.

Using '是...的' to emphasize the manner.

虽然他们分手了，但还是朋友。

Although they broke up, they are still friends.

Conjunction '虽然...但是'.

这次分手对他打击很大。

This breakup was a big blow to him.

Used as a noun modified by '这次'.

他们因为性格不合而分手。

They broke up due to personality clashes.

Using '因为...而...'.

我从来没想过我们会分手。

I never thought we would break up.

Using '从来没' (never before).

分手后，她把所有的照片都删了。

After breaking up, she deleted all the photos.

Action following the breakup.

他分过很多次手，很有经验。

He has broken up many times and is very experienced.

Separated verb with '过' and '很多次'.

我们分手吧，这样对大家都好。

Let's break up; it's better for everyone this way.

Suggestion with '吧'.

分手那天，天一直在下雨。

On the day of the breakup, it kept raining.

Describing the specific day.

被分手的感觉真的很糟糕。

The feeling of being dumped is really terrible.

Passive structure '被分手'.

与其痛苦地在一起，不如早点分手。

It's better to break up early than to stay together in pain.

Structure '与其...不如...'.

他写了一封长长的分手信。

He wrote a long breakup letter.

Compound noun '分手信'.

分手的消息很快就在网上传开了。

News of the breakup quickly spread online.

Abstract subject '分手的消息'.

他们分手的原因依然是个谜。

The reason for their breakup remains a mystery.

Complex noun phrase.

分手费的问题让他们闹得很不愉快。

The issue of the breakup fee made things very unpleasant.

Specific term '分手费'.

尽管已经分手，他还是忍不住关注她的动态。

Despite having broken up, he can't help following her updates.

Conjunction '尽管'.

她还没从分手的阴影中走出来。

She hasn't yet come out of the shadow of the breakup.

Metaphorical 'shadow of the breakup'.

这场分手标志着他青春时代的终结。

This breakup marked the end of his youth.

Used as a significant life event marker.

他在处理分手这件事上表现得非常成熟。

He showed great maturity in handling the breakup.

Using '在...上' structure.

文学作品常将分手描绘成一种凄美。

Literary works often depict breaking up as a form of tragic beauty.

Describing literary tropes.

所谓的“和平分手”往往只是表面的掩饰。

The so-called 'amicable breakup' is often just a surface cover-up.

Critical analysis of the term.

分手后的心理重建是一个漫长的过程。

Psychological reconstruction after a breakup is a long process.

Technical/Formal tone.

他把分手当成了一种解脱。

He regarded the breakup as a kind of liberation.

Using '把...当成...'.

这次分手彻底改变了他的恋爱观。

This breakup completely changed his view on love.

Abstract impact.

双方在分手的细节上达成了一致。

Both sides reached an agreement on the details of the separation.

Formal/Legalistic context.

分手不仅仅是两个人的事，更是两个世界的剥离。

A breakup is not just about two people; it's the peeling apart of two worlds.

Philosophical/Metaphorical depth.

他以一种近乎冷酷的理智提出了分手。

He proposed a breakup with an almost cold rationality.

Adverbial phrase '以一种...的理智'.

分手后的那种虚无感，是任何言语都无法填补的。

The sense of emptiness after a breakup cannot be filled by any words.

Complex abstract nouns.

这段关系的解体与其说是分手，不如说是崩塌。

The disintegration of this relationship was less a breakup and more a collapse.

Nuanced comparison of terms.

他试图通过频繁的社交来逃避分手的阵痛。

He tried to escape the throes of the breakup through frequent socializing.

Formal vocabulary '逃避', '阵痛'.

分手在现代都市语境下被赋予了更多的仪式感。

Breaking up has been given more of a sense of ritual in the modern urban context.

Sociological analysis.

那一刻，分手的决绝在她的眼神中展露无遗。

In that moment, the decisiveness of the breakup was fully revealed in her eyes.

Literary/Dramatic style.

纵观其一生，那次分手无疑是他人生的分水岭。

Looking at his whole life, that breakup was undoubtedly the watershed of his existence.

High-level historical/biographical tone.

자주 쓰는 조합

和平分手

提出分手

突然分手

分手信

分手费

分手快乐

决定分手

分手以后

面临分手

宣布分手

자주 쓰는 구문

我们分手吧

— The standard way to propose a breakup.

对不起，我们分手吧。

分手后还是朋友

— A common belief or goal to remain friends after a split.

你觉得分手后还是朋友吗？

被分手

— To be the one who was dumped.

他被分手后一直很消沉。

分了手

— The separated form of the verb, emphasizing the completed act.

他们已经分了手了。

分手原因

— The reason why a couple broke up.

你还没告诉我分手原因呢。

分手快乐

— A phrase from a famous song, wishing someone happiness after a breakup.

分手快乐，你会遇到更好的。

正式分手

— To break up in a clear, official manner.

他们昨天正式分手了。

再次分手

— To break up again after having reconciled.

他们复合一个月后又再次分手了。

闹分手

— To be in the process of a messy or loud breakup.

他们最近一直在闹分手。

分手现场

— The actual scene or moment where the breakup happened.

那是史上最尴尬的分手现场。

자주 혼동되는 단어

分手 vs 分开

分开 is more general (separate anything); 分手 is specifically romantic.

分手 vs 离婚

离婚 is legal divorce; 分手 is for dating couples.

分手 vs 离别

离别 is a poetic way to say goodbye/part ways, not necessarily a breakup.

관용어 및 표현

"一别两宽"

— To part ways and both find peace. Often used in modern contexts regarding breakups.

既然不爱了，就一别两宽吧。

Literary/Elegant

"劳燕分飞"

— Like swallows flying apart; a metaphor for a couple separating.

没想到他们最后竟然劳燕分飞。

Literary

"分道扬镳"

— To go separate ways. Used for partners or groups.

由于志向不同，他们决定分道扬镳。

Formal

"各奔东西"

— Each goes their own way (East or West).

毕业后，大家就各奔东西了。

Neutral

"情断义绝"

— Love and affection are completely cut off.

他们闹得情断义绝，再也不见面了。

Strong/Dramatic

"覆水难收"

— Spilled water cannot be gathered back; what's done is done.

既然已经分手，就是覆水难收了。

Common

"好聚好散"

— To end a relationship as nicely as it began.

我们还是好聚好散吧。

Neutral

"藕断丝连"

— The lotus root breaks but the fibers remain; still having lingering feelings.

他们分手后依然藕断丝连。

Common

"破镜重圆"

— A broken mirror joined together; to reconcile (Antonym of breakup).

大家都希望他们能破镜重圆。

Common

"形同陌路"

— To become like strangers.

分手后，他们变得形同陌路。

Neutral

혼동하기 쉬운

分手 vs 分家

Both start with '分'.

分家 means to divide a family's property or household.

他们兄弟俩分家了。

分手 vs 分心

Both start with '分'.

分心 means to be distracted.

上课不要分心。

分手 vs 分工

Both start with '分'.

分工 means division of labor.

我们分工合作。

分手 vs 分明

Both start with '分'.

分明 means clear or distinct.

黑白分明。

分手 vs 分量

Both start with '分'.

分量 means weight or amount.

这肉分量不足。

문장 패턴

我们分手了。

A 跟 B 分手了。

小王跟小李分手了。

我们分手吧。

分手以后，[Action]。

分手以后，我去了旅行。

因为...而分手。

因为性格不合而分手。

被 [Person] 分手。

他被女朋友分手了。

与其...不如分手。

与其吵架，不如分手。

在分手这件事上...。

在分手这件事上，他很冷静。

어휘 가족

명사

分手信 (Breakup letter)

分手费 (Breakup fee)

分手原因 (Reason for breakup)

동사

分开 (Separate)

分离 (Part)

分辨 (Distinguish)

分配 (Distribute)

형용사

分手的 (Related to breakup)

사용법

frequency

Extremely high in romantic contexts.

자주 하는 실수

我分手了她。 → 我和她分手了。
You cannot have a direct object after '分手'. You must use '和' or '跟' to indicate the other person.
他们分手十年了。 → 他们分手已经十年了。 / 他们已经分了十年的手。
To show duration, you either treat it as a completed event with a time period following, or separate the verb.
我和我的好朋友分手了。 → 我和我的好朋友绝交了。 / 我们不联系了。
'分手' is only for romantic partners. For friends, use '绝交' (sever ties) or '不再是朋友'.
他分手得很快。 → 他分得很快。 / 他分手分得很突然。
In a 'de' construction with a separable verb, you either drop the object or repeat the verb.
分手他很不开心。 → 分手后他很不开心。 / 分手这件事让他很不开心。
'分手' needs a marker like '后' (after) or '这件事' (this matter) to function clearly as a time or subject.

팁

Use Prepositions

Always remember to use '跟' (gēn) or '和' (hé) when you want to say who you broke up with. Never put the person after '分手'.

Marriage vs. Dating

Distinguish between '分手' for dating and '离婚' for marriage. Mixing them up can lead to significant misunderstandings about someone's legal status.

Informal '吹了'

If you want to sound very casual with friends, you can say '吹了' (chuī le) instead of '分手了'. It's like saying 'it's off' or 'it fell through'.

Separable Verb Power

Practice putting words in the middle, like '分过手' (have broken up before) to master the separable verb structure.

Master the 3rd Tone

The 'shǒu' in '分手' is a 3rd tone. Make sure you drop your voice low. If you say it with a 4th tone, it might sound like 'shòu' (thin or sell).

KTV Strategy

Learn the lyrics to '分手快乐'. It's a great way to hear '分手' used repeatedly in a clear, melodic context.

Being Polite

If you are talking about someone else's breakup, using '他们分开了' can sometimes sound a bit softer and less direct than '他们分手了'.

The '了' Factor

Since a breakup is usually a completed event, you will almost always see '分手' followed by '了'. Get used to this pairing.

Drama Clues

In TV shows, if you see a character crying and saying '我们...', the next word is very likely '分手吧'. Use the context to predict the word.

Hold/Let Go

Associate '分手' with 'letting go of a hand'. It's the easiest way to remember the literal meaning and the romantic context.

암기하기

기억법

Think of two people holding hands. When they '分' (separate) their '手' (hands), the relationship is over. No hands = No couple.

시각적 연상

Imagine a hand icon being cut in half by a line, or a couple walking away from each other in a fork in the road.

Word Web

手 (hand) 分 (divide) 分手 (breakup) 离婚 (divorce) 前任 (ex) 恋爱 (love) 伤心 (sad) 单身 (single)

챌린지

Try to write a three-sentence story about a couple breaking up using '分手', '因为' (because), and '了'.

어원

The term comes from the combination of '分' (to divide/separate) and '手' (hand). Historically, it referred to the literal act of letting go of someone's hand when parting ways.

원래 의미: To part hands; to say goodbye after a meeting.

Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin Chinese).

문화적 맥락

Be careful when asking people about '分手' as it can be a very private and painful topic in Chinese culture.

In English, we say 'break up,' which sounds like something shattering. In Chinese, it's 'parting hands,' which sounds more like a physical separation of two people.

'分手快乐' (Happy Breakup) - A famous song by Fish Leong. '分手大师' (The Breakup Guru) - A popular Chinese comedy movie. Jay Chou's many breakup ballads like '安静' (Silence).

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Gossip with friends

你听说他们分手了吗？
为什么分手？
谁提出来的？
太可惜了。

Watching a C-drama

我们分手吧。
我不想分手。
不要分手好吗？
分手信。

Singing KTV

分手快乐。
分手后的第一天。
分手的雨季。
不再分手。

Therapy or Counseling

分手的原因是什么？
分手后的感受。
如何面对分手？
和平分手。

Social Media News

明星分手。
官宣分手。
被爆分手。
分手传闻。

대화 시작하기

"你觉得分手后还能做朋友吗？ (Do you think people can still be friends after a breakup?)"

"你听说了吗？那对非常有名的明星分手了。 (Did you hear? That famous celebrity couple broke up.)"

"如果你想分手，你会怎么说？ (If you wanted to break up, what would you say?)"

"你觉得什么是最好的分手方式？ (What do you think is the best way to break up?)"

"分手后，你会删掉前任的照片吗？ (After a breakup, do you delete your ex's photos?)"

일기 주제

写一写你对“和平分手”的看法。 (Write about your views on 'amicable breakups'.)

描述一段你在电影或书里看到的难忘的分手情节。 (Describe a memorable breakup scene you saw in a movie or book.)

如果你要给前任写一封分手信，你会写什么？ (If you were to write a breakup letter to an ex, what would you write?)

讨论一下社交媒体如何影响现代人的分手。 (Discuss how social media affects modern breakups.)

你认为分手后最难的事情是什么？ (What do you think is the hardest thing after a breakup?)

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, you cannot. In Chinese, '分手' is an intransitive separable verb. You must use a preposition like '跟' (gēn) or '和' (hé). The correct sentence is '我和她分手了' (Wǒ hé tā fēnshǒu le).

Yes, in modern Mandarin, it is almost exclusively used for romantic couples (boyfriends/girlfriends). For friends ending a friendship, you would use '绝交' (juéjiāo), and for business partners, you might use '拆伙' (chāihuǒ).

'分手' (fēnshǒu) is the specific term for a romantic breakup. '分开' (fēnkāi) is a general term meaning 'to separate.' While you can use '分开' to mean a couple is living apart or taking a break, '分手' is more definitive and common for a breakup.

The most common way is '我们分手吧' (Wǒmen fēnshǒu ba). Adding '吧' at the end makes it a suggestion rather than a harsh command, though it is still a difficult thing to say.

Usually, no. Married people use '离婚' (líhūn) for a legal divorce. If they are just living apart but still married, they use '分居' (fēnjū). '分手' is for non-marital relationships.

'分手' is a separable verb. '分了手' is the same meaning as '分手了,' but it places the completion marker '了' between the verb '分' and the object '手.' Both are correct, but '分手了' is more common for beginners.

Generally, yes, it carries a lot of emotional weight. However, phrases like '和平分手' (amicable breakup) or '分手快乐' (happy breakup) show that it can sometimes be seen as a positive or necessary step.

You can say '他跟我分手了' (He broke up with me), or more informally, '他把我甩了' (Tā bǎ wǒ shuǎi le), where '甩' means to dump or fling away.

It comes from the image of two people holding hands. When they break up, they 'separate' (分) their 'hands' (手). It's a very visual and poetic way to describe the end of a relationship.

It is a 'breakup fee.' In some high-profile or long-term relationships in China, one partner might pay the other a sum of money when they break up, often to compensate for time spent or to ensure a 'peaceful' separation.

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