separation

/ˌsepəˈreɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌsepəˈreɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌse-pə-ˈrā-shən/ (ame, mw)

separation — 名詞

  • separationsingular
  • separationsplural

1. an instance or state in which people, objects, or ideas that were once together

1.名詞B2
釋義

分開；分離

人事物不再在一起的情況

an instance or state in which people, objects, or ideas that were once together are no longer joined or connected, whether in space, time, or relationship.

例句

The separation of the twins at birth was unavoidable because they needed different medical care.

這對雙胞胎出生時就得分開，因為他們需要不同的醫療照護。

separation + of + noun phrase for things taken apart

A low wall creates a clear separation between the seating area and the vegetable patch.

一道矮牆清楚區隔了座位區和菜園。

separation + between + two spaces

同義詞
  • division

    focuses more on the act of cutting or splitting something into parts, often more deliberate than 'separation'

  • split

    more informal; suggests a sudden or forceful parting, often used for groups or relationships

  • partition

    refers specifically to a physical divider (wall, screen) or the act of dividing a space

  • detachment

    implies emotional distance or neutrality; often used in psychological contexts

反義詞
  • union

    the state of being joined or united

  • connection

    a link or bond between people or things

文法句型

separation + of + noun phrase (of people/things)

separation + between + plural noun phrase

用法筆記

Often used with the preposition 'of' to name what is being separated, or 'between' to name the two groups or things being kept apart. The uncountable form is the most common; the countable form (e.g. 'a separation from one's family') emphasises a specific period or instance.

常見錯誤

❌The separation among the two groups lasted a year.
✅The separation between the two groups lasted a year.
💡Use 'between', not 'among', when referring to two specific groups or things.

2. a legal or informal arrangement in which a married couple live in separate homes

2.名詞B2
釋義

分居

夫妻在法律上分開居住但不離婚

a legal or informal arrangement in which a married couple live in separate homes and lead separate lives while still remaining legally married, sometimes as a step towards divorce.

例句

Heather agreed to a trial separation from her husband, hoping time apart might help.

Heather 同意和丈夫試行分居，希望分開一段時間能有所幫助。

trial separation — temporary arrangement with possibility of reconciliation

After filing for legal separation, Mira kept the apartment while Kian moved across town.

申請法律分居後，Mira 保留了公寓，而 Kian 搬到城鎮的另一端。

legal separation — formal court-recognised arrangement

同義詞
  • split

    informal; can refer to ending any romantic relationship, not just marriage

  • parting

    gentler, less formal; can refer to any kind of farewell, not just marital

  • breakup

    informal; usually implies the relationship has ended entirely, unlike a legal separation

反義詞
  • reconciliation

    the process of a separated couple getting back together

  • marriage

    the state of being married and living together as a couple

文法句型

separation + from + person (spouse)

legal/judicial separation

trial separation

用法筆記

Distinguish from 'divorce': in a separation the couple remain legally married and are not free to remarry. A 'trial separation' is informal and usually temporary; a 'legal separation' is a formal court order that settles finances, custody, and living arrangements without ending the marriage.

常見錯誤

❌They got a separation and are now free to marry other people.
✅They got a separation but are still legally married
💡they cannot remarry until they divorce.' — Separation does not dissolve the marriage; only divorce does.