Translation guide
The English adverb 'separately' indicates that things are done or considered apart from each other, not together. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adverbs, verb forms, and sentence patterns depending on whether you mean 'individually', 'apart', 'one by one', or 'not together'. The most common and versatile option is 別々に (betsubetsu ni).
To say that people or things are handled, done, or considered as separate units, not as a group.
The most common and neutral way to say 'separately'. It can be used for actions, payments, living arrangements, etc.
Please split the bill (pay separately).
They live separately.
Means 'each' or 'respectively'. Often used when each person/thing does something different or has their own. It implies separate handling but focuses on individuality.
Please tell me your opinions separately (each person's opinion).
They each chose separate paths.
More formal, often used in business or technical contexts. Means 'individually' or 'on a case-by-case basis'.
We will handle each issue separately.
Can mean 'separately' but is often used in negative sentences to mean 'not particularly'. When used positively, it can mean 'apart from that' or 'in addition'. Use with care.
When used alone, 別に often means 'not really' in casual speech. To clearly mean 'separately', use 別々に or add context.
Let's discuss that separately.
To describe doing something to each item or person in sequence, not all at once.
Means 'one by one' or 'one at a time'. Used for countable items. Can be replaced with 一人ずつ (ひとりずつ) for people.
Let's solve the problems one by one (separately).
Means 'in order' or 'in turn'. Implies a sequence, but each is handled separately.
I will call your names one by one (separately).
To say that things or people are placed or kept apart from each other.
To indicate that something is done or exists in addition to or apart from something else.
Pattern meaning 'separately from ~' or 'aside from ~'. Used to add information or actions.
I got a bonus separately from my salary.
Separately from the main topic, I have one question.
Means 'apart from ~' or 'leaving aside ~'. Used to set something aside before discussing the main point.
While 別々に is the most direct translation, it's not always natural. For example, 'Please answer separately' might be better as それぞれ答えてください (answer individually) or 一つずつ答えてください (answer one by one) depending on context.
別々に emphasizes the separation of actions or states (e.g., paying separately, living apart). それぞれ emphasizes individuality or 'each' having their own (e.g., each person has their own opinion). They can sometimes overlap, but 別々に is more about the manner of doing, while それぞれ is about the distribution.
Please keep the documents separately (in a different place).
Joking aside, let's talk seriously.