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
それぞれ
それぞれ (sorezore)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "each" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between てんでに and それぞれ.
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, それぞれ (それぞれ (sorezore)) maps to "each, respectively" (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 "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 "それぞれ"
私はそれぞれに興味があります。
I am interested in each, respectively.
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.". "それぞれ" represents "each, respectively".