Japanese symbol for “classify”

In Japanese, classify is 分ける, read わける (wakeru).

Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.

Meanings

1. v1, vt to divide (into); to split (into); to part; to separate; to divide up; to classify
2. v1, vt to share; to distribute; to deal out; to dish out
3. v1, vt to distinguish; to discriminate; to differentiate (between)
4. v1, vt to break up (a fight); to mediate
5. v1, vt to call a draw; to tie
6. v1, vt to push one's way through (a crowd)

Written forms: 分ける、別ける、頒ける. Readings: わける.

Kanji and stroke order

↻ Replay stroke order

Other Japanese words for “classify”

Related words

Words that share a kanji.

See also: Chinese symbol for “classify”.

Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.