分散

ぶんさん

dispersion, decentralization, variance (statistics)

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Usage and Nuances

The word 分散 (fēnsàn) primarily means "to scatter" or "to disperse." It is commonly used both in physical contexts, such as people or objects spreading out, and in abstract contexts, like distributing investments or resources to reduce risk.

Common Collocations

  • 分散投资 (fēnsàn tóuzī): diversify investments, used in finance to reduce risk.
  • 分散注意 (fēnsàn zhùyì lì): to distract or scatter attention.
  • 分散风险 (fēnsàn fēngxiǎn): to disperse risk.

Register and Tone

分散 is neutral and formal enough for written and spoken Chinese, often appearing in news, academic, and business contexts. It is less common in casual speech unless describing physical dispersion.

Common Confusions

Do not confuse 分散 with (sàn kāi), which also means to disperse but often implies a more sudden or complete breakup, especially of crowds or groups. 分散 can imply a more controlled or strategic spreading out.

Summary

Use 分散 when talking about spreading or distributing things, whether tangible or intangible, especially when emphasizing the idea of dividing or allocating to reduce concentration or risk.

Example Sentences

To prevent risk, investors should diversify their investments.

After the meeting ended, the crowd gradually dispersed.

Sunlight filters through the leaves, scattering mottled shadows on the