Translation guide
The English phrase 'be divided' can refer to physical splitting into parts, mathematical division, or abstract division of groups, opinions, or resources. Japanese uses different verbs and constructions depending on the context.
Something is split or separated into parts, often physically.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be divided' or 'to split'. Used for things naturally or physically separating into parts.
道が二つに分かれる。
The road divides into two.
グループが三つに分かれた。
The group was divided into three.
Passive form of '分割する' (to divide/partition). Often used for deliberate division, like splitting land, tasks, or data.
土地が分割された。
The land was divided.
Passive form of '分ける' (to divide/separate). Implies someone or something divides it. Common in everyday contexts.
ケーキが八つに分けられた。
The cake was divided into eight pieces.
A number is divided by another number.
Passive form of '割る' (to divide). Used specifically for arithmetic division.
10は2で割られる。
10 is divided by 2.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be divisible' (without remainder).
10は2で割り切れる。
10 is divisible by 2.
People, opinions, or resources are split into opposing or separate groups.
Also used for abstract division, such as opinions or groups splitting.
意見が分かれた。
Opinions were divided.
国が二つに分かれた。
The country was divided into two.
Passive of '二分する' (to divide into two). Emphasizes a split into two opposing sides.
世論が二分された。
Public opinion was divided into two.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to split' or 'to break up', often used for organizations or groups breaking apart.
政党が分裂した。
The political party was divided (split).
分かれる (intransitive) describes a natural or resulting state of division. 分割される (passive) implies a deliberate, often formal division. 分けられる (passive) is the general passive of 分ける and is used when the agent is implied or important.