Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Each" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "each", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
てんでに
てんでに (tenden ni)
N2 / 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 てんでに and おのおの.
In Japanese, てんでに (てんでに (tenden ni)) is typically associated with "each, severally, separately, individually" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Emphasizes that each person or thing acts or does something independently and distinctly from the others. Similar to それぞれ.
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 "てんでに"
子供たちはてんでに好きな遊びを始めた。
The children each started their favorite games.
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: "子供たちは ＿＿＿ 好きな遊びを始めた。" (Meaning: "The children each started their favorite games.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "てんでに" fits here because it means "each, severally, separately, individually" in the context of: "The children each started their favorite games.". "おのおの" represents "each, respectively, severally".