B1 Collocation Neutral 2 min de lectura

分類をする

classify

Literalmente: classification (noun) + object marker (particle) + to do (verb)

Use this phrase when you are organizing things into specific, logical categories rather than just dividing them.

En 15 segundos

  • Systematically sorting items into logical categories or groups.
  • Commonly used in offices, schools, and for household chores.
  • A 'noun + suru' verb that implies a logical process.

Significado

It means the act of sorting things into groups or categories based on specific rules or shared characteristics. Think of it as organizing a messy pile into neat, logical buckets.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

Organizing files at work

古い資料を年度ごとに分類をしましょう。

Let's classify the old documents by fiscal year.

💼
2

Sorting laundry with a partner

洗濯物を色で分類をしてくれる?

Can you sort the laundry by color?

🤝
3

A scientist explaining a process

この植物を新しい種として分類することにしました。

We decided to classify this plant as a new species.

👔
🌍

Contexto cultural

The Japanese obsession with 'bunrui' is most visible in their waste management and stationery stores. The ability to categorize things efficiently is seen as a sign of maturity and 'shakaijin' (a functioning member of society). This phrase is central to the '5S' methodology used in Japanese business to maintain workplace efficiency.

💡

The 'O' Factor

In casual speech, people often drop the 'o' and just say 'bunrui suru.' Keep the 'o' when you want to sound more deliberate or clear.

⚠️

Don't be too robotic

If you use 'bunrui suru' for every little thing, you might sound like a computer. For simple things like splitting a bill, use 'wakeru' instead.

En 15 segundos

  • Systematically sorting items into logical categories or groups.
  • Commonly used in offices, schools, and for household chores.
  • A 'noun + suru' verb that implies a logical process.

What It Means

Imagine your desk is buried under a mountain of papers. You start putting them into folders labeled 'bills,' 'letters,' and 'work.' That process is 分類をする. It is about bringing order to chaos. You are not just moving things. You are using logic to group them. It turns a random mess into a searchable system.

How To Use It

This phrase is a classic 'noun + suru' verb. You can keep the for emphasis or drop it for speed. To use it, simply say [Object] を 分類する. It works for physical objects like books. It also works for digital things like emails. You can even use it for abstract concepts like 'feelings' or 'types of people.'

When To Use It

Use this when you are being productive. It is perfect for the office when organizing data. It is great at home when sorting laundry or recycling. You will hear it in science classes or libraries. If you are explaining a system to someone, this is your go-to phrase. It makes you sound organized and thoughtful.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this for simple splitting. If you are cutting a pizza, use 分ける instead. If you are just picking a favorite, use 選ぶ. 分類をする sounds a bit too 'academic' for casual choices. Also, don't use it for 'sorting out' a fight with a friend. That requires a different kind of emotional resolution.

Cultural Background

Japan is famous for its love of meticulous classification. Just look at the trash system! In some towns, you must sort garbage into dozens of categories. This starts in childhood. Students learn to categorize their cleaning duties and school supplies. This phrase reflects a deep cultural respect for order and harmony.

Common Variations

You will often see グループ分け (group-wake) for casual sorting. In formal reports, you might see 分類を試みる (attempting to classify). If you want to say something is 'unclassifiable,' you use 分類不能. For a very detailed job, you can say 細かく分類する which means 'to classify minutely.'

Notas de uso

This phrase is highly versatile and sits in the 'neutral' register. It is safe for both business and daily life, but avoid using it for simple physical splitting where 'wakeru' is more natural.

💡

The 'O' Factor

In casual speech, people often drop the 'o' and just say 'bunrui suru.' Keep the 'o' when you want to sound more deliberate or clear.

⚠️

Don't be too robotic

If you use 'bunrui suru' for every little thing, you might sound like a computer. For simple things like splitting a bill, use 'wakeru' instead.

💬

The Trash Secret

In Japan, 'bunrui' is a civic duty. If you don't classify your trash correctly, your neighbors might leave a polite but firm note on your doorstep!

Ejemplos

6
#1 Organizing files at work
💼

古い資料を年度ごとに分類をしましょう。

Let's classify the old documents by fiscal year.

A standard professional use of the phrase.

#2 Sorting laundry with a partner
🤝

洗濯物を色で分類をしてくれる?

Can you sort the laundry by color?

Using the phrase in a helpful, everyday context.

#3 A scientist explaining a process
👔

この植物を新しい種として分類することにしました。

We decided to classify this plant as a new species.

Formal scientific usage.

#4 Texting a friend about a messy room
😊

部屋のゴミを分類するだけで一日終わったわ。

I spent the whole day just sorting the trash in my room.

Casual use showing the effort of cleaning.

#5 A humorous take on dating
😄

彼を「友達」のカテゴリーに分類をした。

I have classified him into the 'friend' category.

Using a formal word for a funny personal situation.

#6 Reflecting on complex emotions
💭

自分の気持ちをうまく分類をすることができない。

I can't quite categorize my own feelings.

Using the phrase to describe internal confusion.

Ponte a prueba

Choose the correct particle to complete the phrase.

本をジャンルごとに分類___します。

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

The particle 'を' marks the object of the action 'doing classification'.

Which verb completes the phrase for 'to classify'?

ゴミを正しく分類を___ください。

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: する

Classification is an action you 'do' (suru) in Japanese.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality of '分類をする'

Informal

Using 'グループ分け' with friends.

これ、分けて!

Neutral

Standard '分類をする' for daily tasks.

ゴミを分類する。

Formal

Professional or scientific context.

データを分類いたします。

Where to use 分類をする

分類をする
💼

At the Office

Sorting customer data into age groups.

♻️

At Home

Sorting the recycling into paper and plastic.

📚

In a Library

Organizing books by their genre or author.

🔬

In Science

Categorizing a new insect species.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

分ける (wakeru) is a general word for 'to divide' or 'to separate.' 分類をする is specifically for sorting things into logical categories.

Yes, but be careful. Saying 人を分類する can sound a bit cold or judgmental, like you are labeling people.

It is neutral to formal. It is perfectly fine to use with your boss, but it might sound a bit stiff if you use it while playing with a toddler.

You can add the prefix 'sai' to get 再分類する (saibunrui suru).

Absolutely! It is the standard way to talk about organizing folders and files on a computer.

Usually (ni). For example, AとBに分類する (classify into A and B).

Yes, グループ分けをする (gurūpu-wake o suru) is a very common, friendlier alternative.

Only if you are sorting it by type (like 'fruits' vs 'vegetables'). If you are just sharing food, use 分ける.

Not necessarily. 分類をしている means you are currently in the middle of the process.

Sometimes, for example, when classifying athletes into weight classes or divisions.

Frases relacionadas

整理する

To organize or tidy up.

グループ分け

Grouping things together.

仕分けをする

To sort out (often used for mail or logistics).

区別する

To distinguish or tell apart.

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