別
separate · branch off · diverge · fork · another · extra · specially
Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of sword and separate. Dividing with sword.
Symbolism
Separation, distinction, special. Represents division and difference.
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
千差万別
せんさばんべつ
an infinite variety of; multifarious; being extremely varied and wide-ranging
個々別々
ここべつべつ
each one separately
愛別離苦
あいべつりく
the pain of separation from loved ones
思慮分別
しりょふんべつ
discreet and well-advised judgment; wise and mature judgment; making judgment with prudence
教外別伝
きょうげべつでん
Buddhist revelation through intuitive discernment; spiritual awakening cannot be experienced with words and letters; spiritual enlightenment can be attained only by means of communion of mind with mind
Poetry
これやこの 行くも帰るも 別れては 知るも知らぬも あふ坂の関
So this is the place where those going and those returning part, where strangers and friends alike meet: the Barrier of Osaka.
立ち別れ いなばの山の 峰に生ふる まつとし聞かば 今帰り来む
Though I leave for Mount Inaba, if I hear that you are waiting, like the pines on its peak, I will come straight back.
ありあけの つれなく見えし 別れより 暁ばかり 憂きものはなし
Since that parting when the dawn moon looked on without pity, nothing has been so bitter to me as daybreak.
Anime & Manga
BLEACH 千年血戦篇-訣別譚-
BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War - The Separation
A well-known work with 別 in its Japanese title.
帰還者の魔法は特別です
A Returner's Magic Should Be Special
A well-known work with 別 in its Japanese title.
ワンダーエッグ・プライオリティ 特別編
WONDER EGG PRIORITY: My Priority
A well-known work with 別 in its Japanese title.
キルラキル 特別編
Kill la Kill: GOODBYE AGAIN
A well-known work with 別 in its Japanese title.
エンジェルビーツ 特別篇
Angel Beats! Specials
A well-known work with 別 in its Japanese title.
Related Figures & Stories
Other kanji with the same meaning
“branch off”
“diverge”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 別 mean in Japanese?
別 means separate, branch off, diverge, fork, another, extra, specially.
How do you read 別?
On'yomi: ベツ (BETSU). Kun'yomi: わか.れる、わ.ける (wakareru, wakeru).
How many strokes does 別 have?
別 has 7 strokes. Its radical is 刀 (knife).
Is 別 a good kanji for a tattoo?
別 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means separate, branch off, diverge, fork, another, extra, specially. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.
Explore by meaning:separate · branch off · diverge · another