Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 分 depicts a knife (刀) dividing an object into two parts, symbolizing the concept of 'to divide' or 'to separate.' Its core meanings of 'part,' 'share,' and 'minute' (a division of time) all stem from this fundamental idea of division. Over time, the character evolved from its ancient pictographic form in bronze and seal scripts into the more stylized modern kanji, but the iconic knife element remains clearly visible. Arrived in Japan: The character 分, along with the Chinese writing system, is believed to have arrived in Japan around the 5th century AD, likely through the Korean peninsula. It was part of the initial wave of Chinese characters adopted into the Japanese language.