Translation guide
The English phrase "pull apart" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: physically separating things, tearing something into pieces, and criticizing or analyzing something in detail.
To pull two objects away from each other, often when they are stuck, attached, or held together.
General term for pulling two things apart, often used for separating people or objects that are close together.
喧嘩している二人を引き離した。
I pulled apart the two people who were fighting.
Often used for pulling apart things that are stuck or tangled, like wires or threads.
絡まった糸を引き分けた。
I pulled apart the tangled threads.
Emphasizes peeling or prying apart things that are stuck together, like stickers or glued items.
壁からポスターを引き剥がした。
I pulled the poster apart from the wall.
To pull something so that it breaks into smaller parts, like paper, bread, or meat.
Common verb for tearing or ripping something apart, especially along a grain or seam.
彼は手紙を細かく裂いた。
He pulled the letter apart into small pieces.
Emphasizes the action of pulling forcefully to tear apart.
Often used for tearing soft items like bread or paper by hand, without tools.
パンを小さくちぎってスープに入れた。
I pulled the bread apart into small pieces and put them in the soup.
To examine or criticize something in great detail, often pointing out flaws.
Means to criticize thoroughly, pulling apart an argument or work.
彼の理論は専門家によって徹底的に批判された。
His theory was pulled apart by experts.
Colloquial term for harshly criticizing or tearing apart someone's work or idea.
映画評論家がその映画をこき下ろした。
The film critic pulled the movie apart.
Neutral term for analyzing something in detail, pulling it apart to understand it.
データを細かく分析して問題点を見つけた。
We pulled the data apart and found the issues.
彼女は怒って書類を引き裂いた。
She angrily pulled the documents apart.