1to part; to separate from someone (e.g., saying goodbye and going different ways).
駅で友達と別れた。
I parted from my friend at the station.
旅行の朝、家族と涙ながらに別れた。
On the morning of the trip I tearfully said goodbye to my family.
授業が終わると皆で別れて帰った。
When class finished everyone went their separate ways and went home.
2to break up (of a couple); to separate or divorce.
彼とは去年別れた。
I broke up with him last year.
夫婦は性格の不一致で別れることになった。
The couple decided to separate due to incompatibility.
別れてからもしばらく連絡を取っていたが、自然に疎遠になった。
Even after breaking up we kept in touch for a while, but gradually drifted apart.
3to lose someone (e.g., by death); to be bereaved.
祖母とは去年別れた。今でも写真を見ると涙が出る。
I lost my grandmother last year. I still cry when I look at her photos.
戦争で多くの人が家族と別れた。
Many people lost their families in the war.
彼は幼い頃に母と死に別れて、祖母に育てられた。
He lost his mother when he was young and was raised by his grandmother.