分别
fēnbié · HSK 3
to part; to leave each other; to distinguish; to tell apart
✂️ 分 = divide + 别 = other; 'divide into others' = separately
分 (fēn) means divide/split; 别 (bié) means other/distinguish. Together they mean separately or respectively. Also used as a noun meaning parting/farewell — the divide between people.
分 — knife 刀 + eight 八 (split apart)
分 originally depicted a knife (刀) cutting something into two parts, shown by 八 above (which itself meant 'divide'). The core sense is 'to divide' or 'split', from which extended meanings like 'portion', 'minute', and 'part' developed. Pronounced fèn, it carries the sense of an allotted share.
别 — separate (knife 刂 + 另 phonetic/'other')
别 originally depicted using a knife (刂) to separate flesh from bone, giving the core sense of 'divide' or 'part from'. The left component 另 ('another, other') reinforces the idea of setting things apart and also hints at the sound. From 'separate' the meaning naturally extended to 'other, different' and to the adverb 'don't' (i.e. do otherwise).