Translation guide
The English word 'parting' can refer to the act of separating from someone, a farewell, or the line where hair is divided. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these meanings.
Expressing the act of saying goodbye or leaving someone, often with emotional weight.
The most common and general word for parting or separation. Can be used for temporary or permanent goodbyes.
彼との別れは辛かった。
Parting from him was painful.
別れの挨拶をした。
We said our parting greetings.
A more formal or literary term for separation, often implying a long or permanent parting.
永遠の別離を覚悟した。
I prepared myself for an eternal parting.
Polite prefix form of 別れ, often used in formal or respectful contexts, such as funerals or formal farewells.
本日はお別れの会を開きます。
Today we will hold a parting ceremony.
Literally 'to announce parting', meaning to say goodbye or bid farewell.
彼は何も言わずに別れを告げた。
He said his parting without a word.
Referring to something said or given at the time of parting.
Parting words, farewell speech.
別れの言葉を述べた。
I gave my parting words.
A parting gift, often money, given to someone leaving on a journey or moving away.
餞別として時計を贈った。
I gave a watch as a parting gift.
The line on the head where hair is divided.
The standard word for the parting of hair.
分け目を変えた。
I changed my parting.
More explicit: 'hair parting'.
髪の分け目が曲がっている。
My hair parting is crooked.
The word 別れ (wakare) only means separation/farewell. For hair parting, use 分け目 (wakeme).