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
各自
かくじ (kakuji)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "each" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between お互い and 各自.
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, 各自 (かくじ (kakuji)) maps to "Each person, individually, respectively" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to instruct or describe actions that each individual should perform on their own. Often implies responsibility or independence.. 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 "各自"
昼食は各自で用意してください。
Please prepare your own lunch.
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.". "各自" represents "Each person, individually, respectively".