分化 fēnhuà to split apart
to split apart; differentiation
How to remember 分化: 分 divide + 化 change = to split apart.
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How it is used
- 'To split apart / differentiate / diverge' - of a group breaking into factions or things growing apart: 两极分化 (liǎngjí fēnhuà) polarization, 阶层分化 social stratification.
- Also a biology term (cell differentiation: 细胞分化). Implies a formerly unified whole splitting into distinct parts.