In 15 Seconds
- To intentionally pull things apart or keep them distinct.
- Common in recycling, science, and professional organization contexts.
- More formal and precise than the simple verb 'wakeru'.
Meaning
It describes the act of pulling things apart or keeping them distinct. It is often used for physical materials, data, or even separating your personal life from work.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about recycling at home
ゴミを種類ごとに分離をするのは、少し面倒ですね。
Separating trash by type is a bit of a hassle, isn't it?
A science teacher explaining an experiment
この実験では、水と油を完全に分離をします。
In this experiment, we will completely separate the water and oil.
A manager discussing office policy
公私をしっかり分離をすることが、プロの仕事です。
Separating your public and private life is the mark of a professional.
Cultural Background
Separating public and private life is a key professional trait.
Context is King
Only use this in formal or technical writing/speech.
In 15 Seconds
- To intentionally pull things apart or keep them distinct.
- Common in recycling, science, and professional organization contexts.
- More formal and precise than the simple verb 'wakeru'.
What It Means
Imagine you have a bowl of mixed beads. You want to sort them by color. That process of picking them apart is 分離をする. It is a bit more formal than the simple word for 'divide.' It implies a clear, intentional boundary between two things. You are not just moving things. You are making sure they do not touch or mix anymore. It sounds smart and precise.
How To Use It
You take the noun 分離 and attach をする. Because it is a 'Suru-verb,' it is very flexible. You can use it for physical objects like oil and water. You can also use it for abstract things. Think about your 'work-life balance.' That is a classic case of 分離をする. You are drawing a line in the sand. It is often used in professional or academic settings.
When To Use It
Use this when you want to sound accurate. It is perfect for science experiments. It is also the go-to phrase for recycling. Japan loves recycling! You will see it when talking about separating plastic from paper. Use it in business when splitting departments. If you are a tech person, use it for 'separation of concerns' in code. It makes you sound like you know your stuff.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for a romantic breakup. If you tell your partner you want to 分離をする, they will think you are a robot. Use 別れる instead. Also, avoid it for very simple daily tasks. You do not 'separate' your socks with this word. That is just 分ける. Using 分離をする for laundry makes it sound like a chemical process. Keep it for things that require a bit more 'oomph.'
Cultural Background
Japan is the world champion of sorting trash. Every household performs 分離 every single day. You have to separate the caps from the bottles. You separate the labels from the plastic. This cultural obsession with order makes 分離 a very common concept. It reflects the Japanese value of 'everything in its right place.' It is not just a chore. It is a social duty.
Common Variations
You will often hear 分離させる. This means 'to make something separate.' It is common when talking about machines or external forces. Another one is 分離符, which refers to separator marks in writing. In chemistry, you might hear 遠心分離, which is using a centrifuge. The root 分離 is the building block for many technical terms.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral but leans towards formal or technical contexts. It is most commonly used when discussing systems, science, or organized processes like recycling.
Context is King
Only use this in formal or technical writing/speech.
Examples
6ゴミを種類ごとに分離をするのは、少し面倒ですね。
Separating trash by type is a bit of a hassle, isn't it?
A common daily conversation topic in Japan.
この実験では、水と油を完全に分離をします。
In this experiment, we will completely separate the water and oil.
Standard academic usage for physical processes.
公私をしっかり分離をすることが、プロの仕事です。
Separating your public and private life is the mark of a professional.
Used for abstract boundaries in a workspace.
感情と事実を分離をして考えないとダメだよ！
You have to separate your feelings from the facts!
Giving advice using a logical approach.
卵黄を分離をするつもりが、全部混ざっちゃった。
I meant to separate the yolk, but it all got mixed together.
Using a slightly formal word for a silly mistake adds humor.
彼は自分をそのグループから分離をすることを決意した。
He resolved to separate himself from that group.
Describes a heavy emotional or social distancing.
Test Yourself
Which sentence uses {分離|ぶんり} correctly?
Choose the best option.
A is wrong because you don't use this for people. B is correct as it is a technical context.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesChoose the best option.
A is wrong because you don't use this for people. B is correct as it is a technical context.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, use {分ける|わける}.
Related Phrases
公私混同
contrastMixing public and private
