Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Each" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "each", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
各自
かくじ (kakuji)
N3 / 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 各自 and それぞれ.
In Japanese, 各自 (かくじ (kakuji)) is typically associated with "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..
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 "各自"
昼食は各自で用意してください。
Please prepare your own lunch.
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: "昼食は ＿＿＿ で用意してください。" (Meaning: "Please prepare your own lunch.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "各自" fits here because it means "Each person, individually, respectively" in the context of: "Please prepare your own lunch.". "それぞれ" represents "each, respectively".