ずつ
One at a time, Per, Each, Gradually
Structure
2. 少し(1) + ずつ (Little by little)
3. いくらか + ずつ (Some … every)
(1) ちょっと、わずか
Explanation
The word ずつ, which can be written with the kanji 宛, is a Japanese suffix that indicates that something is distributed or happens in equal, repeating quantities. Common English translations include 'each', 'per', or 'a piece'. Some grammarians classify ずつ as an adverbial particle, but this distinction doesn't affect how it is used in a sentence.
To use ずつ, simply attach it to the number or quantity that you want to express as being distributed or occurring in regular intervals.
- パンの種類を一つずつ買ってみたい。I'd like to buy one of each kind of bread.
- 順番に一人ずつ答えてください。Please answer one by one in order.
- 日本語は難しいから、毎日少しずつ勉強しましょう。Japanese is difficult, so let's study a little bit every day.
- 子供たちにクッキーを二枚ずつ分けた。I gave the children two cookies each.
Fun Fact
The kanji for ずつ, 宛, carries the meaning of 'allocation' or 'portion'. This same kanji is frequently used for addresses, where it is read as 宛. Thinking of ずつ as distributing things into 'portions' can be a helpful way to remember its meaning.
- 各チームずつ発表してください。Please have each team give their presentation. (Team = allotment)
- みんながジュースを一本ずつ持ってきた。Everyone brought one bottle of juice each. (Portion = allotment)
Examples
子供たちにアメを三つ宛あげた。
I gave the children three candies each.
緊張しないで！一人宛自己紹介してください。
Don't be nervous! Please introduce yourselves one at a time.
この写真をアルバムに３枚宛入れてください。
Please put three photos per page in the album. (three at a time)
順番に一人宛面接を行います。
We will conduct the interviews one person at a time, in order.
コーチは選手たちを３人宛のチームに分けて、練習を始めた。
The coach divided the players into teams of three each and started the practice.
先生：「焦らないで。少し宛慣れていけばいいですよ。」
Teacher: 'Don't rush. It's fine to get used to it little by little.'
この木は１年に２０センチ宛高くなる。
This tree grows by 20 centimeters per year.
夏休みの間、一日１ページ宛読書することにした。
I decided to read one page per day during summer vacation.
借金を返すために、毎月給料からいくらか宛返済している。
To pay back my debt, I am paying it off a little at a time from my salary each month.
彼の怪我はわずか宛だが、確実に良くなっている。
Although it's only a little at a time, his injury is definitely getting better.
テーブルの上に、お皿とコップを一つ宛並べてください。
Please place one plate and one cup each on the table.
店員：「コーヒーと紅茶、どちらになさいますか？」
客：「ひとつ宛ください。」
Clerk: 'Would you like coffee or black tea?'
Customer: 'One of each, please.'