各
Each, Every, Respective, Various
Structure
Explanation
To express that something pertains to 'each' or 'every' (A) in a slightly more formal context, the Japanese prefix 各 is often used. While there isn't a rigid grammatical rule, this prefix is most commonly attached to words of Chinese origin (kanji compounds) or katakana loanwords.
- このチームの各選手は自分の役割を理解しています。Each player on this team understands their role.
- 日本の各メーカーは新しい車を作っている。Every Japanese manufacturer is making new cars.
- 駅のアナウンスが各ホームで聞こえました。The station announcement could be heard on each and every platform.
Even though this kanji denotes 'each', it is hardly ever used with units of time. The most frequent and natural use of 各 is for pointing out individual components of a larger set or sequence. For example:
Each/Every station, along a railway with multiple stations.
Each/Every chapter, within a book containing several chapters.
Each/Every classroom, in a school with many classrooms.
Each/Every product, from a company with many products.
Fun Fact
This kanji also appears in the word 各々, which similarly means 'each', but is generally reserved for referring to individuals or people.
- チケットは各々で購入してください。Please purchase your tickets yourselves. (Each person should buy their own ticket)
Examples
各チームは新しいユニフォームをもらいました。
Each team received a new uniform.
ごみ収集日は各家庭で異なります。
Garbage collection days differ for each household.
昼食は各自で準備してください。
Please prepare your own lunch individually.
この本の各章の終わりに練習問題があります。
There are practice questions at the end of each chapter of this book.
各教科に担当の先生がいます。
Each subject has a teacher in charge of it.
この電車は各駅に停車します。
This train stops at every station.
各商品のバーコードをスキャンしてください。
Please scan the barcode on each item.
日本各地方の有名な食べ物を集めました。
We gathered famous foods from various regions (each region) of Japan.
会議には各部門の代表者が出席した。
Representatives from each department attended the meeting.
先生：「各グループで話し合って、意見をまとめてください」
Teacher: 'Please discuss within each group and summarize your opinions.'
各選手はベストを尽くしました。
Each athlete did their very best.
各大学が独自の入学試験を行っています。
Each university conducts its own unique entrance examination.