分裂 fēnliè to split up
to split up; to divide; to break up; fission; schism
How to remember 分裂: 分 divide + 裂 to split = to split up.
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How it is used
- 'To split apart / break up / divide' - of a country, party, or cell: 国家分裂 (guójiā fēnliè) national fragmentation, 细胞分裂 cell division.
- Politically loaded: 分裂主义 (fēnlièzhǔyì) separatism. Also 精神分裂症 (jīngshén fēnlièzhèng) schizophrenia. Heavier and more destructive than plain 分开.