Meaning and Usage
"別れ" (わかれ) primarily means "parting," "separation," or "farewell." It is used to describe the act or moment of saying goodbye or separating from someone or something.
Common Contexts
This word is often used in personal relationships, such as parting from friends, family, or lovers. It can also refer to more formal or permanent separations, like leaving a job or moving away.
Collocations and Patterns
- 別れを告げる: to say farewell, often used when formally or emotionally saying goodbye.
- 別れの言葉: farewell words, expressions used at parting.
- 別れの時: the time of parting, emphasizing the moment of separation.
Register and Nuance
"別れ" is neutral and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. It often carries an emotional nuance, especially in personal relationships.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "別れ" with "分かれ" (also read わかれ), which can mean "branching" or "dividing" in other contexts. Focus on the context of separation or farewell to use "別れ" correctly.