Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Each" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "each", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
お互い
おたがい (otagai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
おのおの
おのおの (onōno)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "each" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between お互い and おのおの.
In Japanese, お互い (おたがい (otagai)) is typically associated with "each other, mutual" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a reciprocal action or relationship between two or more parties. Can be used as a noun or adverb..
On the other hand, おのおの (おのおの (onōno)) maps to "each, respectively, severally" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to each individual or item in a group, often implying that they act or are treated separately. それぞれの個人や物に対して個別に言及する際に使われます。「それぞれ」と似ていますが、より個々の独立性を強調するニュアンスがあります。. A literal translation of "each" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "お互い"
困った時は、お互い助け合いましょう。
When we're in trouble, let's help each other.
Bilingual Context for "おのおの"
会議の後、参加者はおのおのの意見を述べた。
After the meeting, the participants each expressed their opinions.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "困った時は、 ＿＿＿ 助け合いましょう。" (Meaning: "When we're in trouble, let's help each other.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "お互い" fits here because it means "each other, mutual" in the context of: "When we're in trouble, let's help each other.". "おのおの" represents "each, respectively, severally".