Difference between 区別 and 分別


Can anyone here help me understand the difference in nuance between 区別 and 分別
(in terms of the 'classification/distinction' meaning)? I have checked
dictionaries but they seem pretty much the same in this case. I would have
considered them interchangeable had I not just gotten a question about the
difference wrong in a mock test.




Basically 分別 is used only in the following two types of situations:

  * separating trash (flammable, recyclable, etc); read [ぶんべつ]{LHHH} 

>     * 燃えるゴミと燃えないゴミを分別する
>     * ゴミの分別収集にご協力ください
>     * 空き缶は分別してリサイクルしましょう

  * distinguishing the right and the wrong as a sensible adult, discretion; read [ふんべつ]{HLLL} 

>     * 物事の分別が分かる年齢になった
>     * 良いことと悪いことの分別をつける
>     * 大人としての理性と分別を身につける

According to [BCCWJ](http://www.kotonoha.gr.jp/shonagon/) these two usages are
almost equally common. There were a few other examples using 分別 (apparently
about philosophy or psychology), but I think you can safely ignore them.

区別 is "distinction" in general.




Basically 分別 is used only in the following two types of situations:

  * separating trash (flammable, recyclable, etc); read [ぶんべつ]{LHHH} 

>     * 燃えるゴミと燃えないゴミを分別する
>     * ゴミの分別収集にご協力ください
>     * 空き缶は分別してリサイクルしましょう

  * distinguishing the right and the wrong as a sensible adult, discretion; read [ふんべつ]{HLLL} 

>     * 物事の分別が分かる年齢になった
>     * 良いことと悪いことの分別をつける
>     * 大人としての理性と分別を身につける

According to [BCCWJ](http://www.kotonoha.gr.jp/shonagon/) these two usages are
almost equally common. There were a few other examples using 分別 (apparently
about philosophy or psychology), but I think you can safely ignore them.

区別 is "distinction" in general.

