fēn / fèn: 分 - Minute, Point, Cent, To Divide

• Keywords: 分, fen, fen Chinese character, fen meaning, Chinese minute, Chinese score, Chinese cent, to divide in Chinese, fen vs fen4, fèn, Chinese measure word, measure word for time, measure word for money, measure word for points.
• Summary: The Chinese character 分 (fēn / fèn) is one of the most versatile and essential words for beginners. It primarily means 'to divide' or 'to separate', but its meaning extends to being a crucial measure word for time (minute), money (cent), and scores (point). Understanding how to use 分 (fēn) correctly is key to telling time, shopping, and talking about academic or sports results in Mandarin Chinese. This guide will break down its different meanings, pronunciations (fēn and fèn), and practical uses in daily life.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): fēn (first tone), fèn (fourth tone)
• Part of Speech: Verb, Noun, Measure Word
• HSK Level: HSK 1
• Concise Definition: A unit of time (minute), currency (cent), or score (point); or, as a verb, to divide, separate, or distribute.
• In a Nutshell: At its heart, 分 is all about the concept of “division.” Think of it as breaking a whole into smaller pieces. A minute (分) is a division of an hour, a cent (分) is a division of a yuan, and a point (分) is a division of a total score. The verb form, “to divide” (分), is the most literal expression of this core idea. A second pronunciation, fèn, is used to mean “a portion” or “a part,” which is the result of division.

• 分: The character is a combination of two simple radicals that perfectly illustrate its meaning.
• 八 (bā): Represents the number eight, but its shape here pictographically suggests “to separate” or “to split into two.”
• 刀 (dāo): This is the radical for “knife” or “blade.”
• Combined Meaning: The character literally depicts a knife (刀) being used to separate (八) something. This simple, powerful image is the foundation for all of its meanings, from dividing a cake to the small divisions of time and money.

• While the concept of “division” is universal, its application through 分 is fundamental to the structure of daily Chinese life. It's a key component in systems of measurement for time, money, and academic achievement.
• Comparison to Western Concepts: In the U.S., academic performance is often summarized with a letter grade (A, B, C), which represents a range. In China, the focus is almost exclusively on the specific number of 分 (fēn), or points, earned on an exam (e.g., 98分 vs 92分). This reflects a cultural emphasis on precision and granularity in evaluation. A student knows their exact score, not just a general category. This granular focus on points can be seen as a form of objective fairness, where every point matters.
• Related Values: The concept extends to social values through words like 分享 (fēnxiǎng - to share), which literally means “to divide and enjoy.” This reinforces the communal idea that resources can be distributed for mutual benefit.

The usage of 分 changes based on its pronunciation and context.

This is its most common use for beginners.

Used when telling the exact time on a clock.

• e.g., 三点十五分 (sān diǎn shíwǔ fēn) - 3:15

Represents 1/100th of a yuan (元). While still the official term, it's rarely used in transactions today due to inflation, but you'll see it in prices like ¥9.99.

• e.g., 九块九毛九分 (jiǔ kuài jiǔ máo jiǔ fēn) - ¥9.99

Essential for talking about exams, competitions, and games.

• e.g., 我考了九十分 (wǒ kǎo le jiǔshí fēn) - I scored 90 points on the test.

It's a common verb for all forms of separation and distribution.

Used for physically dividing objects or for the abstract concept of separation.

• e.g., 我们分开走吧 (wǒmen fēnkāi zǒu ba) - Let's go separately.

Used when allocating items or tasks to people.

• e.g., 老师分了作业 (lǎoshī fēn le zuòyè) - The teacher assigned the homework.

Often used in the negative to express confusion.

• e.g., 我分不清他们俩 (wǒ fēn bù qīng tāmen liǎ) - I can't tell the two of them apart.

With the 4th tone, it refers to a “portion,” “share,” or “part” of a whole.

Used as a measure word for meals, documents, or shares.

• e.g., 我要一份炒饭 (wǒ yào yí fèn chǎofàn) - I want one order of fried rice.

• Example 1:
  • 现在是八点零分。
  • Pinyin: Xiànzài shì bā diǎn líng wǔ fēn.
  • English: It is now 8:05.
  • Analysis: Here, 分 (fēn) is used as a measure word for a specific point in time, the “minute.”
• Example 2:
  • 这次考试我得了满分！
  • Pinyin: Zhè cì kǎoshì wǒ dé le mǎn fēn!
  • English: I got a perfect score on this exam!
  • Analysis: 分 (fēn) refers to “points” or “score.” 满分 means “full score.”
• Example 3:
  • 我们可以把这个苹果分一下吗？
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen kěyǐ bǎ zhège píngguǒ fēn yīxià ma?
  • English: Can we split this apple?
  • Analysis: Here, 分 (fēn) is used as a verb meaning “to divide” or “to split.”
• Example 4:
  • 我等了你三十分钟。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ děng le nǐ sānshí fēnzhōng.
  • English: I waited for you for 30 minutes.
  • Analysis: Note the use of 分钟 (fēnzhōng). This compound word is used for a duration of time, not a point in time (see Nuances section below).
• Example 5:
  • 他们去年分手了。
  • Pinyin: Tāmen qùnián fēnshǒu le.
  • English: They broke up last year.
  • Analysis: 分手 (fēnshǒu) is a common compound word meaning “to break up” (literally “divide hands”).
• Example 6:
  • 抱歉，我分不清方向。
  • Pinyin: Bàoqiàn, wǒ fēn bù qīng fāngxiàng.
  • English: Sorry, I can't tell which direction is which.
  • Analysis: 分 (fēn) is used as a verb meaning “to distinguish” or “to tell apart.”
• Example 7:
  • 这是你的份，那是我的份。
  • Pinyin: Zhè shì nǐ de fèn, nà shì wǒ de fèn.
  • English: This is your share, and that is my share.
  • Analysis: This example clearly shows the 4th tone pronunciation, fèn, meaning “a portion” or “a share.”
• Example 8:
  • 经理给我们分配了新的工作。
  • Pinyin: Jīnglǐ gěi wǒmen fēnpèi le xīn de gōngzuò.
  • English: The manager assigned us new work.
  • Analysis: The compound verb 分配 (fēnpèi) means “to assign” or “to distribute.”
• Example 9:
  • 比赛的比分是二比一。
  • Pinyin: Bǐsài de bǐfēn shì èr bǐ yī.
  • English: The score of the match is 2 to 1.
  • Analysis: The noun 比分 (bǐfēn) specifically means the score in a game or competition.
• Example 10:
  • 请给我一份报纸。
  • Pinyin: Qǐng gěi wǒ yí fèn bàozhǐ.
  • English: Please give me a copy of the newspaper.
  • Analysis: 份 (fèn) is used as a measure word for things like documents, newspapers, or份 (fèn) is used as a measure word for things like documents, newspapers, or sets (like a set meal).

• fēn (1st tone) vs. fèn (4th tone): This is the most critical distinction.
  • fēn (分): Use for units (minute, cent, point) and the verb “to divide.” Think of it as the action or the unit of division.
  • fèn (份): Use for the resulting “portion,” “share,” or “copy.” Think of it as the noun that results from dividing.
  • Incorrect: 我要一分牛排 (wǒ yào yī fēn niúpái).
  • Correct: 我要一份牛排 (wǒ yào yí fèn niúpái). (I want one order/portion of steak.)
• 分 (fēn) vs. 分钟 (fēnzhōng): A classic beginner mistake for time.
  • 分 (fēn): Used for a point in time. It answers “What time is it?”
    • e.g., 现在两点十分。(Xiànzài liǎng diǎn shí fēn.) - It's 2:10 right now.
  • 分钟 (fēnzhōng): Used for a duration of time. It answers “How long?”
    • e.g., 我们休息十分钟。(Wǒmen xiūxí shí fēnzhōng.) - Let's rest for 10 minutes.
• Money in Practice: While 一分 (yì fēn) is technically one cent, you will almost never use it in a real transaction. Digital payments and rounding have made it practically obsolete. However, it's still crucial for understanding prices and test scores.

• 分享 (fēnxiǎng) - To share (literally “divide and enjoy”). A very positive and common word.
• 分手 (fēnshǒu) - To break up (a relationship); literally “to divide hands.”
• 分开 (fēnkāi) - To separate; to come apart. A more general term for physical or abstract separation.
• 分钟 (fēnzhōng) - Minute (as a duration of time). A crucial distinction from 分 as a point in time.
• 百分之 (bǎi fēn zhī) - Percent; literally “parts out of one hundred.” Shows the core concept of division.
• 部分 (bùfen) - Part; section. A noun using the `fèn` pronunciation.
• 成绩 (chéngjì) - Score; grade; result. This is the overall result, while 分 (fēn) is the unit used to measure it.
• 分配 (fēnpèi) - To distribute; to assign. A more formal verb for allocating resources or tasks.
• 身份 (shēnfèn) - Identity; status. Relates to one's “part” or role (份) in society.
• 区别 (qūbié) - Difference. Often used with 分, as in 分清区别 (fēnqīng qūbié), “to tell the difference.”