Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Each" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "each", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
夫々
おのおの (ono'ono)
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 夫々 and それぞれ.
In Japanese, 夫々 (おのおの (ono'ono)) is typically associated with "each, respectively, severally" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents More formal than "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 "夫々"
会議の後、参加者は夫々自分の仕事に戻った。
After the meeting, the participants each returned to their own work.
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: "会議の後、参加者は ＿＿＿ 自分の仕事に戻った。" (Meaning: "After the meeting, the participants each returned to their own work.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "夫々" fits here because it means "each, respectively, severally" in the context of: "After the meeting, the participants each returned to their own work.". "それぞれ" represents "each, respectively".