Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Each" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "each", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
各〜
かく〜 (kaku~)
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 各〜 and 十人十色.
In Japanese, 各〜 (かく〜 (kaku~)) is typically associated with "each ~, every ~" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A prefix meaning 'each' or 'every'. It is attached directly to nouns, often indicating a plural or group where each individual member is considered..
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 "各〜"
会議には各部署から代表者が出席した。
Representatives from each department attended the meeting.
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: "会議には各部署から代表者が出席した。" (Meaning: "Representatives from each department attended the meeting.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "各〜" fits here because it means "each ~, every ~" in the context of: "Representatives from each department attended the meeting.". "十人十色" represents "To each their own".