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
十人十色
じゅうにんといろ (juunintoiro)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "each" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between お互い and 十人十色.
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, 十人十色 (じゅうにんといろ (juunintoiro)) maps to "To each their own" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. 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 "十人十色"
毎日、日本語を練習するために十人十色。
Every day, I each their own to practice Japanese.
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.". "十人十色" represents "To each their own".