129
別
Separate, Different
わか(れる) (wakareru), わ(ける) (wakeru)
JLPT N4
Interesting Fact
The original form of 別 combined a knife with the image of separating something into parts. ✂️ Long ago, it described physically cutting or dividing an object. Over time, the meaning expanded beyond cutting to include people going their separate ways, different choices, and anything that could be distinguished from something else.
Memory Trick
⚔️ A sharp blade(刂) separates the head from the body, creating two different parts—that's 別.
Readings
Onyomi: ベツ (betsu)
Kunyomi: わか(れる) (wakareru), わ(ける) (wakeru)
Example Words
別
べつ (betsu)
Different
特別
とくべつ (tokubetsu)
Special
別れる
わかれる (wakareru)
To separate
別々
べつべつ (betsubetsu)
Separately
Example Sentence
今日は 別の 道を 行きます。
きょうは べつの みちを いきます。
kyou wa betsu no michi o ikimasu
Today I will take a different road.