瓜分 guāfēn to partition
to partition; to divide up
How to remember 瓜分: 瓜 melon + 分 divide = to partition.
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How it is used
- To carve up and split among several parties - 列强瓜分中国 (lièqiáng guāfēn Zhōngguó) the powers carved up China.
- Vivid image of slicing a melon; often negative, implying greedy division of territory, spoils, or market share.
- Compare neutral 分 (fēn, to divide) or 分配 (fēnpèi, to allocate); 瓜分 stresses aggressive parceling-out among rivals.