別れ

NOUN (1)

[/wakaɾe/^ja-JP]

separation literal / parting literal / farewell literal / goodbye literal / breakup contextualinformal / exit untranslatable (The term 'exit' conveys a physical departure but lacks the emotional context of '別れ'.)

Synonyms 別れ道 neutral , 離別 formal

Antonyms 再会

This term refers to the act of separation, parting, or farewell. It often carries an emotional weight, implying an emotional goodbye rather than just a physical departure. When used in the context of relationships, it can specifically mean a breakup. While it can describe a physical exit or departure, it distinctly differs from a simple 'exit' by always implying an emotional aspect of leaving or being separated from someone or something.

彼との突然の別れに、私はただ立ち尽くすしかなかった。 — At the sudden parting from him, I could only stand there stunned.
別れはいつも寂しいものだ。 — Goodbyes are always sad.
私たちは小学校の卒業式で別れを告げた。 — We said our farewells at the elementary school graduation ceremony.