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분절되다

B2 verb #8,000 most common 11 min read

분절되다

bunjeoldoeda Top 8,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 분절되다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 분절되다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word '분절되다' is quite difficult and not usually taught. However, we can think of it as a fancy way to say 'to be in parts.' Imagine a toy train with many small cars. Each car is a 'segment.' In very simple terms, '분절되다' means something is not just one long piece, but many small pieces joined together. You might not use this word yourself, but you can remember it by thinking of 'parts' (부분). For example, a finger has three parts. This is a very simple way to understand the idea of segmentation. You don't need to worry about the grammar yet, just remember the picture of a bamboo stick with its many lines and sections. That is the heart of this word.

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn how to describe things more specifically. '분절되다' is a verb that means 'to be divided into segments.' You might see this in a science book for children. For example, when talking about an ant, you can say its body is 'divided' into three parts. While you would normally use the easier word '나뉘다' (to be divided), '분절되다' is used when those parts are like 'links in a chain' or 'joints.' It is a more formal word. If you hear this word, think of a ruler that has many small lines (millimeter, centimeter). The ruler is 'segmented' into units. This will help you understand more complex Korean sentences later on.

At the B1 level, you should begin to recognize '분절되다' in more academic or formal contexts, such as news reports or school textbooks. The word is often used in linguistics to explain how we hear sounds. When we speak, it sounds like one long noise, but our brains 'segment' (분절하다) that noise into individual letters or words. So, '분절되다' is the passive form: 'to be segmented.' You can use it to describe structures like the human spine (척추) or the chapters of a book if they are very distinct. It is important to distinguish this from '단절되다' (to be cut off). '분절' means there are parts, but they are still part of a whole system. '단절' means the connection is dead.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '분절되다' correctly in writing and formal speech. This word is essential for discussing linguistics, biology, and sociology. In linguistics, you will use it to talk about 'segmental phonemes' (분절 음소), which are the vowels and consonants that make up speech. In sociology, you might discuss a 'segmented labor market' (분절된 노동 시장), where the market is split into different levels that don't mix. You should also be able to use the noun form '분절' (segmentation). At this level, you should understand that '분절되다' implies a structural or logical division rather than a physical break. It’s about how a whole is organized into discrete units. Using this word instead of '나뉘다' shows a high level of vocabulary sophistication.

At the C1 level, you should master the abstract and metaphorical uses of '분절되다.' This includes philosophical discussions about how human consciousness or time is 'segmented.' For example, is time a continuous flow, or is it 'segmented' into distinct moments? In literary criticism, you might use it to describe a 'segmented narrative' where the story is told in disconnected pieces. You should also be familiar with related technical terms like '비분절 음소' (suprasegmental phonemes like pitch and stress). At this level, you should be able to nuance your speech by choosing '분절되다' to imply a systematic, rule-based division. You can also use it in complex grammatical structures, such as '사회적 구조가 고도로 분절됨에 따라...' (As the social structure becomes highly segmented...).

At the C2 level, '분절되다' is a tool for precise academic and professional communication. You should be able to engage in deep debates about 'social segmentation' (사회적 분절화) or 'segmental analysis' in various scientific fields. You understand the historical etymology of the word (the Hanja 分節) and how it relates to concepts in other languages (like 'segmentation' in English or 'Gliederung' in German). You can use the word to describe the most subtle phenomena, such as the 'segmentation of the self' in psychological theories or the 'segmented nature of post-modern reality.' Your use of the word should be effortless, appearing in contexts where precision is paramount, such as legal documents, scientific papers, or high-level political analysis. You also recognize its use in classical literature or advanced poetry to describe the rhythm and 'breath' of the text.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

분절되다 in 30 Seconds

분절되다 means to be divided into structural segments or distinct parts, often used in scientific or academic contexts.
It is a passive verb (Hanja: 分節) commonly applied to linguistics (sounds), biology (body parts), and sociology (structures).
Unlike general division, it implies that the resulting parts are segments of a larger, organized whole or sequence.
It is a high-level word (B2+) that adds precision to descriptions of structure, time, or social fragmentation.

The Korean verb 분절되다 (分節되다) is a sophisticated term primarily used to describe the process of being divided into distinct, manageable, or structural segments, parts, or sections. While the basic English translation might be 'to be segmented' or 'to be divided,' the Korean nuance carries a heavy academic and structural weight. It is derived from the Hanja characters 分 (분), meaning 'to divide,' and 節 (절), meaning 'joint' or 'segment' (as in the segments of a bamboo stalk). When something is described as being 분절되다, it suggests that a continuous whole is being broken down into identifiable units that maintain their own identity while often still being part of a larger system.

Linguistic Context: In linguistics, this word is absolutely essential. It refers to the way human speech, which is physically a continuous stream of sound waves, is perceived and categorized into discrete units like phonemes (sounds), syllables, or words. Without the ability for speech to be 분절되다, language would be an unintelligible blur of noise.

우리의 목소리는 성대를 지나면서 여러 개의 자음과 모음으로 분절됩니다.

Translation: Our voices are segmented into various consonants and vowels as they pass through the vocal cords.

Beyond linguistics, you will encounter this word in biology and anatomy. Think of the body of a centipede or the spine of a human; these are structures that are naturally 분절되다—divided into repeating or distinct sections that allow for flexibility and specialized function. In a social or philosophical sense, it describes how time, history, or even human experience can be perceived as a series of disconnected or distinct episodes rather than a smooth, flowing continuum. For instance, a historian might argue that the modern era is 분절되다 from the medieval period by specific technological ruptures.

Sociological Usage: In modern discourse, you might hear about 'segmented labor markets' (분절된 노동 시장). This refers to a situation where the job market is not a single unified entity but is divided into distinct parts (like permanent vs. temporary work) that don't easily overlap or communicate.

현대 사회의 정보는 너무나도 파편화되어 분절된 상태로 우리에게 전달됩니다.

Translation: Information in modern society is delivered to us in an extremely fragmented and segmented state.

To use this word correctly, remember that it implies a formal or structural division. You wouldn't use it for cutting a cake at a birthday party (that would be '나누다'), but you would use it if you were discussing the mathematical division of a geometric plane into specific sectors. It is a word of analysis, science, and deep description. It allows the speaker to move beyond 'it is broken' to 'it is structured into distinct segments.'

Aesthetic and Literary Use: In music or literature, a rhythm or a narrative can be 분절되다. If a song has very sharp, distinct beats rather than flowing melodies, or if a story is told in short, choppy scenes, this is the word a critic would use to describe that specific style.

그 시인의 문장은 호흡이 짧게 분절되어 있어 강한 인상을 남긴다.

Using 분절되다 effectively requires understanding its passive nature (the '-되다' suffix). It describes a state that has been achieved or a process that happens to a subject. It is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation about physical objects like food or clothing. Instead, it shines in academic, technical, or highly descriptive writing and formal speech. Below, we explore various domains where this word is used to express specific types of division.

Academic and Scientific Contexts: When discussing biology, architecture, or mathematics, this word describes structural integrity through division. For example, a building's facade might be segmented into different materials, or an insect's body is segmented into head, thorax, and abdomen.

곤충의 몸은 머리, 가슴, 배의 세 부분으로 명확하게 분절됩니다.

Translation: An insect's body is clearly segmented into three parts: head, thorax, and abdomen.

Notice how '분절됩니다' sounds much more professional than '나뉩니다' (is divided). It implies a biological classification. Similarly, in mathematics or data science, you might talk about a continuous line being segmented into points or intervals for analysis.

Linguistic and Phonetic Contexts: This is perhaps the most common academic use of the word. It refers to how we break down the 'flow' of speech into individual sounds. If someone speaks too fast or has a speech impediment, their words might not be properly 분절되다, making them hard to understand.

외국어를 처음 배울 때는 단어들이 하나하나 분절되어 들리지 않고 하나의 덩어리처럼 느껴진다.

Translation: When first learning a foreign language, the words don't sound segmented one by one but feel like a single lump.

In this sentence, '분절되어' describes the perceptual act of identifying word boundaries. This is a key stage in language acquisition.

Societal and Abstract Contexts: When discussing sociology or philosophy, 분절되다 refers to the fragmentation of systems or experiences. A 'segmented society' is one where different groups (by class, age, or ideology) do not mix.

노동 시장이 정규직과 비정규직으로 이중적으로 분절되어 있는 것이 큰 사회적 문제입니다.

In the sentence above, the word captures the structural 'split' that prevents a unified labor market. It conveys a sense of rigidity and clear boundaries between the segments.

Temporal and Sequential Contexts: Time can also be segmented. We divide the 24-hour cycle into hours, minutes, and seconds. History is divided into eras. This conceptual 'slicing' of time is often described using this verb.

우리의 기억은 연속적인 흐름이 아니라, 인상 깊은 순간들로 분절되어 저장됩니다.

If you are walking down a street in Seoul or watching a romantic comedy, you might not hear 분절되다 very often. However, if you step into a university lecture hall, turn on a deep-dive documentary, or read an editorial in a major newspaper like the Chosun Ilbo or Hankyoreh, this word will appear frequently. It is a 'high-register' word that signals intellectual rigor and precision.

In University Lectures (Linguistics/Education): Professor: '인간의 언어가 동물과 다른 점 중 하나는 소리가 의미 있는 단위로 분절된다는 점입니다.' (One of the ways human language differs from animals is that sounds are segmented into meaningful units.) This is a foundational concept in Korean linguistics classes.

디지털 신호는 아날로그와 달리 불연속적으로 분절된 값들로 이루어져 있습니다.

Context: A lecture on digital signal processing or computer science.

In the tech world, the distinction between continuous (analog) and segmented/discrete (digital) is often described using this terminology. If you work in IT or engineering in Korea, you'll see this in technical manuals regarding data packets or signal sampling.

In News and Social Analysis: News anchors use this word when discussing the 'fragmentation' of society or the economy. '분절된 사회' (a segmented society) is a common catchphrase used to describe political polarization or the gap between the rich and the poor where there is no 'flow' or 'mobility' between the groups.

세대 간의 경험이 너무나 분절되어 있어 소통이 쉽지 않습니다.

Context: A talk show or documentary about the generational gap in Korea.

This usage highlights that the experiences of the older generation (who lived through the war and rapid development) and the younger generation (digital natives) are so different that they feel like separate, unconnected segments of history.

In Literature and Art Criticism: Critics use this word to describe the 'structure' of a work. If a movie has a non-linear timeline or a series of distinct vignettes, they might say the narrative is 분절적이다 (segmental) or 분절되어 있다 (is segmented).

이 영화는 주인공의 기억을 따라 분절된 구조를 취하고 있습니다.

In summary, 분절되다 is a word of 'the mind' and 'the system.' It appears whenever a speaker wants to emphasize that something is not a messy break, but a structural division into distinct units. It is the language of experts, analysts, and careful observers.

Because 분절되다 deals with the concept of 'division,' it is very easy for learners (and even native speakers in casual contexts) to confuse it with other similar-sounding or similar-meaning words. Understanding the subtle boundaries between these terms will elevate your Korean from 'fluent' to 'precise.'

Mistake 1: Confusing with '단절되다' (Severed/Disconnected): This is the most common error. 단절되다 (斷絶-) means that a connection has been completely cut off, like a phone line or a relationship. 분절되다 (分節-) means something is divided into segments but usually still exists within a whole or a sequence. 단절 is about 'ending,' while 분절 is about 'structure.'

❌ 대화가 분절되었습니다. (The conversation was segmented - sounds weird if you mean it stopped.)
✅ 대화가 단절되었습니다. (The conversation was cut off.)

Use 분절되다 when you want to describe the *parts* of the conversation (e.g., 'The conversation was segmented into three main topics'), but use 단절되다 when the flow stops entirely.

Mistake 2: Overusing it for Physical Breaking: If you break a pencil in half, you don't say the pencil is 분절되다. That is simply '부러지다' or '나뉘다.' 분절되다 implies a systematic or natural division. You would only use it for a pencil if you were a scientist discussing the molecular segmentation of the graphite, which is highly unlikely in daily life.

❌ 빵이 네 조각으로 분절되었다. (The bread was segmented into four pieces - sounds like a lab experiment.)
✅ 빵이 네 조각으로 나뉘었다. (The bread was divided into four pieces.)

Mistake 3: Confusing with '분리되다' (Separated): 분리되다 (分離-) is used when two things that were together are now apart (like trash separation - 분리수거). 분절되다 is specifically about one thing being composed of distinct sections. For example, a train has cars that are 분절되어 (segmented), but if you take one car away, it is 분리된 (separated).

❌ 쓰레기를 분절해서 버리세요. (Discard trash by segmenting it.)
✅ 쓰레기를 분리해서 버리세요. (Discard trash by separating it.)

Finally, remember that 분절되다 is a passive form. If you are the one doing the dividing, you should use the active form 분절하다. However, in most academic contexts, we focus on how the object *is* structured, so the passive 분절되다 is much more common.

To truly master 분절되다, you must see how it sits in the 'family of division' in the Korean language. Each word has a specific flavor and register. Depending on what you are dividing—and why—you might choose one of the following alternatives.

나뉘다 (To be divided): The most general and common term. It can be used for anything from opinions to physical objects. Use this if 분절되다 feels too 'heavy' or academic for your context.
구분되다 (To be distinguished/classified): Focuses on categorization. If you are dividing things based on their characteristics (like 'separating the good from the bad'), use 구분되다. 분절되다 is more about physical or structural segments.
분리되다 (To be separated): Implies that things that were once a whole are now physically apart. It often suggests a distance between the parts. 분절되다 suggests the parts are still connected or part of a sequence.

Comparison Table:
• 분절되다: Structural segments (e.g., a spine, a sentence).
• 나뉘다: General division (e.g., a group of people).
• 쪼개지다: Splitting into pieces (often forceful, e.g., wood).
• 파편화되다: Fragmented into messy bits (e.g., social unity).

In a linguistic context, you might hear 분절 contrasted with 연쇄 (chain/succession). While 분절 looks at the individual units, 연쇄 looks at how they are linked together. This is a common pairing in academic papers.

Advanced Alternative: 분절적 (Segmental): Sometimes you want an adjective. Instead of saying '그것은 분절되어 있다,' you can say '그것은 분절적이다.' This is very common in sociology to describe 'segmented labor markets' (분절적 노동 시장).

When you want to emphasize that the division is very clear and sharp, you can use the adverb 명확하게 (clearly) or 뚜렷하게 (distinctly) before 분절되다. This is a common collocation in scientific writing.

이 곤충의 다리는 다섯 개의 마디로 분절되어 있습니다.

Translation: This insect's leg is segmented into five joints.

By choosing 분절되다 over simpler words, you are telling your listener that you are looking at the *internal structure* of the thing you are describing. You aren't just saying it's in pieces; you are saying it has segments.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '절' (節) also means 'season' or 'festival' in Korean, because seasons are seen as the 'joints' or 'segments' of the year.

Pronunciation Guide

UK pun-dʒʌl-doe-da

US bun-jeol-doe-da

The primary stress is on the second syllable '절' (jeol).

Rhymes With

조절되다 (to be adjusted) 연결되다 (to be connected - antonym rhyme) 해결되다 (to be solved) 체결되다 (to be concluded) 집결되다 (to be gathered) 종결되다 (to be terminated) 수렴되다 (to be converged) 단절되다 (to be severed)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '절' as '적' (jeok).
Over-aspirating the 'p/b' in the first syllable.
Pronouncing '되' as 'dwe' too strongly; it should be a smooth diphthong.
Failing to use the correct pitch accent in certain dialects.
Confusing the vowel in '절' with '질'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Requires knowledge of Hanja-based academic vocabulary.

Writing 5/5

Hard to use naturally without understanding the specific contexts (linguistics/sociology).

Speaking 4/5

Rarely used in daily speech; mostly for presentations or formal debates.

Listening 4/5

Common in news and lectures, but can be confused with similar sounds.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

나누다 (to divide) 부분 (part) 마디 (joint) 구조 (structure) 단위 (unit)

Learn Next

범주화하다 (to categorize) 파편화 (fragmentation) 음운론 (phonology) 이중 구조 (dual structure) 연속성 (continuity)

Advanced

통시적 (diachronic) 공시적 (synchronic) 구조주의 (structuralism) 음소 (phoneme) 변이음 (allophone)

Grammar to Know

Passive suffix -되다

나누다 (active) -> 나뉘다 (passive); 분절하다 (active) -> 분절되다 (passive).

Adverbial form -게

명확하게 분절되다 (to be clearly segmented).

Resulting state -어 있다

그것은 이미 분절되어 있다 (It is already in a segmented state).

Noun + 적 (Adjective-forming)

분절적 구조 (segmental structure).

Causative form -시키다

공간을 분절시키다 (to cause the space to be segmented).

Examples by Level

기차는 여러 칸으로 분절되어 있어요.

The train is segmented into many cars.

'-어 있다' shows a resulting state.

대나무는 마디마디 분절되어 있습니다.

Bamboo is segmented joint by joint.

'마디마디' means 'every joint.'

이 장난감은 세 부분으로 분절됩니다.

This toy is segmented into three parts.

Present tense '-ㄴ다/는다'.

손가락은 세 개의 뼈로 분절되어 있어요.

The finger is segmented into three bones.

Focus on physical segments.

지렁이의 몸은 여러 개로 분절되어 보입니다.

An earthworm's body looks segmented into many pieces.

'-어 보인다' means 'looks like.'

초콜릿이 칸칸이 분절되어 있어요.

The chocolate is segmented into squares.

'칸칸이' means 'square by square.'

이 자는 센티미터로 분절되어 있습니다.

This ruler is segmented into centimeters.

'-로' indicates the unit of division.

하루는 아침, 점심, 저녁으로 분절됩니다.

A day is segmented into morning, lunch, and evening.

Simple classification.

곤충의 몸은 세 부분으로 분절되어 있습니다.

An insect's body is segmented into three parts.

Formal description.

문장은 단어들로 분절되어 이해됩니다.

A sentence is understood by being segmented into words.

Focus on linguistic segments.

이 노래는 리듬이 명확하게 분절됩니다.

This song's rhythm is clearly segmented.

'명확하게' is a common adverb here.

시간을 분절해서 사용하면 효율적입니다.

It is efficient if you use time by segmenting it.

'-어/아서' indicates a method.

그림이 여러 조각으로 분절되어 전시되었습니다.

The painting was exhibited segmented into several pieces.

Passive voice '전시되었습니다'.

말소리가 잘 분절되지 않아서 못 알아들었어요.

I couldn't understand because the speech wasn't segmented well.

'-지 않아서' indicates reason/cause.

역사는 여러 시대로 분절되어 공부합니다.

History is studied by being segmented into various eras.

Conceptual segmentation.

아파트 단지가 구역별로 분절되어 있습니다.

The apartment complex is segmented by zones.

'-별로' means 'by' or 'per'.

사람의 척추는 여러 개의 뼈로 분절되어 유연합니다.

The human spine is segmented into many bones and is flexible.

Connecting two facts with '-어/여서' or '고'.

언어는 연속적인 소리를 분절하여 의미를 만듭니다.

Language creates meaning by segmenting continuous sounds.

Active form '분절하여' used as a gerund.

이 소설은 이야기가 에피소드별로 분절되어 있습니다.

This novel's story is segmented by episodes.

Structural description of literature.

디지털 데이터는 0과 1의 신호로 분절됩니다.

Digital data is segmented into signals of 0 and 1.

Scientific fact.

그는 자신의 인생을 성공과 실패로 분절하여 생각한다.

He thinks of his life by segmenting it into success and failure.

Psychological/Abstract use.

사회가 계층에 따라 분절되는 현상이 심화되고 있다.

The phenomenon of society being segmented by class is intensifying.

'-ㄴ/는 현상' (phenomenon of...).

컴퓨터 화면은 수많은 픽셀로 분절되어 있습니다.

A computer screen is segmented into countless pixels.

Technical description.

학습 내용을 작은 단위로 분절하면 공부하기 쉽습니다.

If you segment the learning content into small units, it's easy to study.

'-면' (if/when) conditional.

한국어의 음운 체계는 자음과 모음으로 분절됩니다.

The phonological system of Korean is segmented into consonants and vowels.

Linguistic terminology.

노동 시장이 이중 구조로 분절되어 불평등이 발생한다.

Inequality occurs because the labor market is segmented into a dual structure.

Sociological analysis.

연속적인 시간의 흐름을 초, 분, 시로 분절하는 것은 인간의 약속이다.

Segmenting the continuous flow of time into seconds, minutes, and hours is a human convention.

'-는 것' nominalization.

이 건축물은 공간이 기하학적으로 분절되어 독특한 미감을 준다.

This building gives a unique aesthetic because the space is geometrically segmented.

Art/Architecture criticism.

기억은 사건의 중요도에 따라 다르게 분절되어 저장된다.

Memories are stored by being segmented differently according to the importance of the event.

Cognitive science context.

신경계는 수많은 뉴런의 연결로 분절되어 작동합니다.

The nervous system operates by being segmented into connections of numerous neurons.

Biological process.

포스트모던 소설은 전통적인 서사 구조가 분절된 경우가 많다.

Postmodern novels often have a segmented traditional narrative structure.

Literary theory.

정보가 너무 잘게 분절되면 전체적인 맥락을 놓치기 쉽다.

If information is segmented too finely, it's easy to miss the overall context.

'잘게' (finely/thinly) adverbial use.

서구 근대 철학은 주체와 객체를 엄격히 분절하여 사고했다.

Western modern philosophy thought by strictly segmenting the subject and the object.

Philosophical discourse.

언어적 기호는 실재의 연속성을 분절하여 개념화한다.

Linguistic signs conceptualize reality by segmenting its continuity.

Semiotics/Linguistics.

세계화는 역설적으로 지역 경제를 더욱 분절시키는 결과를 낳기도 한다.

Paradoxically, globalization sometimes results in further segmenting local economies.

'-시키는' causative form of the passive root.

디지털 미디어 환경에서 우리의 주의력은 짧은 단위로 분절되고 있다.

In the digital media environment, our attention span is being segmented into short units.

'-고 있다' progressive tense.

이 음악가는 선율을 의도적으로 분절하여 긴장감을 조성한다.

This musician deliberately segments the melody to create tension.

Musicology context.

법전은 복잡한 사회 현상을 조문이라는 형식으로 분절하여 규정한다.

The legal code stipulates complex social phenomena by segmenting them into the form of articles.

Legal/Administrative context.

인간의 인지는 감각 데이터를 유의미한 패턴으로 분절하는 과정이다.

Human cognition is the process of segmenting sensory data into meaningful patterns.

Psychological definition.

역사학자는 과거의 흐름을 특정한 사건을 기점으로 분절하여 해석한다.

Historians interpret the flow of the past by segmenting it based on specific events.

'기점으로' (as a starting point/turning point).

현대 사회의 파편화된 개인들은 공동체로부터 분절되어 존재한다.

Fragmented individuals in modern society exist segmented from the community.

Sociological/Existentialist use.

비분절 음소인 억양과 장단은 분절 음소만큼이나 의미 전달에 중요하다.

Suprasegmental phonemes like intonation and length are as important for conveying meaning as segmental phonemes.

Advanced phonetics terminology.

권력은 지식을 분절하고 범주화함으로써 통제력을 행사한다.

Power exercises control by segmenting and categorizing knowledge.

Foucault-style philosophical analysis.

생태계의 파괴는 서식지를 분절시켜 종의 다양성을 위협한다.

The destruction of ecosystems threatens species diversity by segmenting habitats.

Environmental science / Causative.

예술가는 연속적인 현실에서 찰나의 순간을 분절하여 영원성을 부여한다.

Artists grant eternity by segmenting a fleeting moment from continuous reality.

Aesthetic theory.

알고리즘은 사용자의 행동을 데이터 포인트로 분절하여 예측 모델을 만든다.

Algorithms create predictive models by segmenting user behavior into data points.

Data science/AI context.

시공간의 연속성이 분절되는 블랙홀의 사건 지평선에 대한 연구가 활발하다.

Research is active on the event horizon of black holes where the continuity of space-time is segmented.

Theoretical physics.

문명은 자연의 무질서를 인간의 이성으로 분절하여 질서를 세우는 과정이다.

Civilization is the process of establishing order by segmenting the disorder of nature with human reason.

Macro-historical philosophy.

Synonyms

나뉘다 구분되다 단절되다

Antonyms

연결되다 통합되다

Common Collocations

명확하게 분절되다

마디마디 분절되다

이중으로 분절되다

잘게 분절되다

음성적으로 분절되다

공간이 분절되다

기억이 분절되다

시간이 분절되다

사회적으로 분절되다

의도적으로 분절되다

Common Phrases

분절된 노동 시장

— A labor market split into different, non-communicating segments.

분절된 노동 시장은 청년 취업을 어렵게 만든다.

분절 음소

— Segmental phonemes (vowels and consonants).

분절 음소는 언어의 가장 작은 단위이다.

분절적 사고

— Thinking in a segmented or analytical way.

그는 문제를 해결하기 위해 분절적 사고를 활용했다.

분절화 현상

— The phenomenon of segmentation.

사회 전반에서 분절화 현상이 나타나고 있다.

분절된 구조

— A structural setup consisting of distinct segments.

이 건물의 분절된 구조는 매우 현대적이다.

분절된 기억

— Memories that are fragmented or not continuous.

그날의 일은 분절된 기억으로만 남아 있다.

분절된 시간

— Time divided into specific intervals.

분절된 시간을 관리하는 것이 성공의 열쇠다.

분절된 소리

— Sounds that are heard as distinct units.

분절된 소리가 모여 단어를 이룬다.

분절된 문장

— A sentence that is broken into short, choppy parts.

분절된 문장은 긴장감을 더해준다.

분절된 신호

— Discrete signals, often digital.

디지털 통신은 분절된 신호를 전송한다.

Often Confused With

분절되다 vs 단절되다

Means 'to be cut off' or 'severed'. Focuses on the end of a connection, while '분절되다' focuses on the parts of a structure.

분절되다 vs 분리되다

Means 'to be separated'. Implies things moving apart, whereas '분절되다' implies a systematic division within a whole.

분절되다 vs 분할되다

Means 'to be partitioned'. Often used for land, money, or administrative areas.

Idioms & Expressions

"마디마디 분절되다"

— To be segmented at every joint; used for thorough structural division.

그의 논리는 마디마디 분절되어 있어 반박하기 어렵다.

Formal

"칼로 자르듯 분절되다"

— To be segmented as if cut by a knife; meaning very sharp, clear division.

두 사람의 관계는 칼로 자르듯 분절되었다.

Literary

"실타래처럼 분절되다"

— To be segmented like a tangled thread (often implying a messy division).

역사는 때로 실타래처럼 분절되어 나타난다.

Literary

"파편처럼 분절되다"

— To be segmented like fragments; implies a loss of unity.

공동체의 의식이 파편처럼 분절되고 말았다.

Formal

"톱니바퀴처럼 분절되다"

— To be segmented like gears; implies parts that fit together.

시스템의 각 기능이 톱니바퀴처럼 분절되어 작동한다.

Metaphorical

"숨 가쁘게 분절되다"

— To be segmented breathlessly; used for fast-paced, choppy rhythms.

영화의 편집이 숨 가쁘게 분절되어 관객을 압도한다.

Artistic

"모자이크처럼 분절되다"

— To be segmented like a mosaic; many small parts making a whole.

도시의 풍경이 모자이크처럼 분절되어 보인다.

Descriptive

"섬처럼 분절되다"

— To be segmented like islands; implies isolation between parts.

정보들이 서로 연결되지 못하고 섬처럼 분절되어 있다.

Formal/Metaphorical

"계단식으로 분절되다"

— To be segmented in steps; used for hierarchical or sequential division.

교육 과정이 계단식으로 분절되어 구성되어 있다.

Educational

"점선처럼 분절되다"

— To be segmented like a dotted line; implies gaps in continuity.

그의 기억은 점선처럼 분절되어 띄엄띄엄 떠올랐다.

Literary

Easily Confused

분절되다 vs 분절 (Segmentation) vs. 파편화 (Fragmentation)

Both involve things being in pieces.

Segmentation (분절) is usually structural and can be neutral or functional. Fragmentation (파편화) is usually messy, disorganized, and negative.

The spine is segmented (분절); the mirror shattered into fragments (파편).

분절되다 vs 분절 (Segmentation) vs. 구분 (Classification)

Both involve dividing things.

Segmentation is about physical or structural parts. Classification is about logical categories.

A centipede's body is segmented; books are classified by genre.

분절되다 vs 분절 (Segmentation) vs. 마디 (Joint)

They are related in meaning.

마디 is a noun meaning the joint itself. 분절되다 is the verb describing the state of having those joints.

대나무에는 마디가 있고, 그 줄기는 분절되어 있다.

분절되다 vs 분절 (Segmentation) vs. 절단 (Amputation/Cutting)

Both involve cutting.

절단 is the act of cutting something off completely, often violently. 분절 is a structural division.

The finger was segmented (분절) into bones; the rope was cut (절단).

분절되다 vs 분절 (Segmentation) vs. 분해 (Disassembly)

Both involve taking things apart.

분해 involves taking a machine or compound apart into its components. 분절 is about the natural or structural division of a whole.

The engine was disassembled (분해); the speech was segmented (분절).

Sentence Patterns

A이/가 B로 분절되다

몸이 세 부분으로 분절됩니다.

A은/는 분절되어 있다

기차는 여러 칸으로 분절되어 있다.

명확하게 분절되는 A

명확하게 분절되는 말소리.

A을/를 B 단위로 분절하다

시간을 초 단위로 분절하다.

분절된 A 사이의 단절

분절된 계층 사이의 단절.

A에 의해 분절되다

강에 의해 마을이 분절되다.

분절되는 과정

언어가 분절되는 과정.

분절적 성격

이 연구는 분절적 성격을 띤다.

Word Family

Nouns

분절 (segmentation/segment)

분절화 (segmentation process)

분절성 (segmentality)

분절음 (segmented sound)

Verbs

분절하다 (to segment - active)

분절시키다 (to cause to segment)

Adjectives

분절적 (segmental)

분절된 (segmented - participial)

마디 (joint/knot)

부분 (part)

조각 (piece)

단위 (unit)

경계 (boundary)

How to Use It

frequency

Low in daily life, High in academic and professional writing.

Common Mistakes

Using '분절되다' for breaking a physical object like a glass. → 유리가 깨졌다.
'분절되다' implies structural segmentation, not random breaking.
Using '분절되다' when you mean a connection was cut off. → 인터넷이 단절되었다.
'단절되다' is for severed connections; '분절되다' is for divided structures.
Writing '분적되다' instead of '분절되다'. → 분절되다
The Hanja root is '절' (joint), not '적'.
Using '을/를' with '분절되다'. → 문장이 분절되다. (The sentence is segmented.)
'-되다' verbs are typically intransitive and do not take direct objects.
Using '분절되다' for simple categorization of items. → 상품이 카테고리별로 구분되었다.
'구분되다' is better for classification; '분절되다' is for structural units.

Tips

Passive Usage

Remember that '분절되다' is passive. The subject is the thing that is being segmented. Use '이/가' with the subject.

Scientific Writing

Use this word in lab reports or scientific descriptions to sound more precise and professional.

Linguistic Terminology

If you study Korean linguistics, this is a must-know word for phonology and phonetics.

Segmentation vs. Fragmentation

Use '분절' for organized parts and '파편화' for disorganized pieces.

Clear Articulation

Make sure to pronounce the 'ㄹ' in '절' clearly to avoid confusion with other words.

Common Adverbs

Pair it with '명확하게' (clearly) or '뚜렷하게' (distinctly) for maximum impact.

Sociological Context

When discussing social issues, use '분절된' to describe structural gaps between groups.

Design Talk

In architecture, use it to describe how a large building is visually divided into smaller sections.

News Keywords

Listen for this word during economic news regarding the labor market.

Visual Memory

Visualize a centipede crawling. Each segment of its body is a '분절'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'BUN' (분) that you 'JOLLY' (절) well cut into segments to 'DO' (되다) a sandwich. Bun-Jeol-Doe-da.

Visual Association

Imagine a bamboo stalk. Each ring on the stalk is a 'joint' or 'segment.' That ring is the '절' in 분절되다.

Word Web

Linguistics Bamboo Joints Structure Division Phonemes Segments Social Class

Challenge

Try to describe your daily schedule using this word. Instead of saying 'I do many things,' say 'My day is segmented into work, rest, and study.'

Word Origin

From Middle Korean, based on Hanja (Chinese characters). The root '분절' has been used for centuries to describe physical joints in plants and animals.

Original meaning: Originally referred to the nodes or joints of bamboo (대나무 마디).

Sino-Korean (Hanja-eo).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral, academic term.

In English, 'segmented' is often used in marketing (market segmentation) or biology. In Korean, it has a stronger linguistic and sociological flavor.

Used in Korean National Curriculum textbooks for Korean Language Arts. Commonly found in the works of Korean sociologists discussing class divide. A key term in the 'General Linguistics' (언어학 개론) courses in Korean universities.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Linguistics Class

분절 음소
자음과 모음으로 분절하다
음성 데이터의 분절
비분절적 요소

Sociology Seminar

분절된 사회
노동 시장의 분절화
계층적 분절
분절된 근대성

Biology Lab

분절된 신체 구조
마디가 분절되다
환형 동물의 분절
분절적 성장

Architecture/Design

공간의 분절
기하학적 분절
분절된 파사드
기능적 분절

Data Science

데이터 분절
신호 분절화
분절된 알고리즘
시간축 분절

Conversation Starters

"인간의 언어가 소리로 분절된다는 사실이 신기하지 않나요?"

"현대 사회가 너무 분절되어 있어서 소통이 어려운 것 같아요."

"곤충의 몸이 분절되어 있는 이유는 무엇일까요?"

"시간을 분절해서 관리하는 자신만의 방법이 있나요?"

"이 영화의 서사 구조가 분절적이라는 평가에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 하루를 세 가지 중요한 순간으로 분절해서 기록해 보세요.

자신의 인생을 시기별로 분절한다면 어떻게 나누고 싶나요?

우리 사회에서 가장 심각하게 분절된 부분은 어디라고 생각하는지 써 보세요.

언어가 소리로 분절되지 않는다면 세상이 어떻게 보일지 상상해 보세요.

자신의 전문 분야에서 '분절'이라는 개념이 어떻게 쓰이는지 설명해 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Rarely. It is primarily an academic or formal word. In daily life, Koreans usually use '나뉘다' or '나누다'. However, you might hear it on the news or in a documentary.

'나뉘다' is general and can be used for anything (e.g., dividing a pizza). '분절되다' is specific to structural segments (e.g., segments of a worm or sounds in a word).

No. That would be '찢어지다' (torn) or '부서지다' (broken). '분절되다' is too technical for emotions.

It is '분절된 노동 시장' (bun-jeol-doen no-dong si-jang).

Yes. 分 (divide) and 節 (joint/segment).

They are '분절 음소', which refers to individual sounds like consonants and vowels that can be clearly separated.

Yes, it is often used to describe how we divide the flow of time into units like hours or minutes.

It depends on the context. In biology, it's neutral. In sociology, '분절된 사회' (segmented society) is usually negative, implying a lack of unity.

The active form is '분절하다' (to segment).

Associate it with bamboo (대나무). The rings on the bamboo are 'joints' (절), and the bamboo is 'divided' (분) by them.