Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Each" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "each", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
銘々
めいめい (meimei)
N2 / 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 銘々 and てんでに.
In Japanese, 銘々 (めいめい (meimei)) is typically associated with "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。.
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 "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.
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: "食後のコーヒーは ＿＿＿ が好きなものを選んだ。" (Meaning: "For coffee after the meal, each person chose what they liked.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "銘々" fits here because it means "each, individual, respectively" in the context of: "For coffee after the meal, each person chose what they liked.". "てんでに" represents "each, severally, separately, individually".