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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

てんでに

てんでに (tenden ni)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "each" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 各自 and てんでに. 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, てんでに (てんでに (tenden ni)) maps to "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. 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 "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.

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.". "てんでに" represents "each, severally, separately, individually".

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