HSK 3.0 · LEVEL 1
分
To divide, to separate, a part/portion, or a unit of time (minute).
Free Chinese vocabulary flashcard · HSK 1
Why does 分 look like this?
The character consists of the radical 八 (bā, meaning 'eight' or 'to divide') on top, and 刀 (dāo, meaning 'knife') on the bottom. Imagine using a sharp knife to split something into two (or eight!) pieces—that's how we get the idea of dividing or a portion!