Translation guide
The English word "each" is used to talk about individual items in a group, often emphasizing them one by one. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is それぞれ (sorezore), but other expressions like 各 (kaku) and counter-based patterns are used depending on context. This guide covers the main ways to express "each" naturally in Japanese.
Referring to every single member of a group, considered separately.
The most common and versatile word for 'each'. It can be used as a noun or adverb. It emphasizes that things are considered individually.
Each room has an air conditioner.
A prefix meaning 'each' or 'every', used in formal or written contexts. It attaches directly to nouns.
Attached to a noun or verb, meaning 'each' or 'every' with a sense of repetition or distribution. Often used with time, place, or person.
This train stops at each station.
A slightly formal or literary word meaning 'each' or 'every one', often used for people. It can sound old-fashioned.
Expressing 'each' in the sense of 'per' or 'apiece', often with numbers or prices.
A formal pattern meaning 'per' or 'for each'. Common in business, signs, and official contexts.
Up to two per person.
Stressing that every individual item or person is included, often with a nuance of 'every single'.
A pattern meaning 'every' or 'each', emphasizing that all items in a group share a property. どの means 'which', but with も it becomes 'every'.
Expressing mutual action or relationship between two or more people.
それぞれ is a standalone word and can be used in casual speech. 各 is a prefix attached to nouns and is more formal/written. For example, それぞれの国 (each country) is natural in conversation, while 各国 (かっこく) is common in news.
Each country has its own culture.
Each student has a different opinion.
Everyone has their own opinion.
It stops at each station.
A representative was chosen from each team.
彼は会う人ごとに挨拶する。
He greets each person he meets.
めいめいが自分の荷物を持ってください。
Each person please take their own luggage.
It's 1000 yen per hour.
Means 'per' or 'for each', used with units. Slightly less formal than につき, common in everyday speech.
It's 100 yen each.
The cost per person is 5000 yen.
Attached after a number or quantity, meaning 'each' or 'apiece', indicating equal distribution.
Please hand out one to each person.
Please eat a little at a time.
Each student passed the exam.
Each room was clean.
Literally 'one by one', used to emphasize doing something to each item individually. Can be used with other counters like 一人一人 (ひとりひとり).
He carefully explained each word.
The standard way to say 'each other' or 'mutually'. Often used with verbs like 助け合う (help each other).
We should help each other.
Let's respect each other's cultures.
各国の代表が会議に出席した。
Representatives from each country attended the meeting.
While 各 is very common in written Japanese, using it excessively in casual conversation can sound stiff. Stick to それぞれ or みんな for everyday talk.
These apples are 100 yen each.
They love each other.
I spoke to each person individually.