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
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 夫々 and てんでに.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "てんでに" represents "each, severally, separately, individually".