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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

銘々

めいめい (meimei)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "each" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 各自 and 銘々. 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, 銘々 (めいめい (meimei)) maps to "each, individual, respectively" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Emphasizes that each person or item is separate and distinct. Often used when people are to do something individually or when discussing individual responsibilities/characteristics. Can be used adverbially or as a noun. 一人ひとりが別々に、それぞれにという意味。. 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 "銘々"
食後のコーヒーは銘々が好きなものを選んだ。
For coffee after the meal, each person chose what they liked.

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.". "銘々" represents "each, individual, respectively".

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