The Complete Guide To Use “sorezore”, “kaku”, and “onoono” Easily

Yuka

I see それぞれ, 各, and おのおの all meaning ‘each’ or ‘respective.’ How do I know which one to use?

Rei

Great question! They all mean ‘each/respective’ but differ in formality and what they emphasize. それぞれ is everyday, 各 is formal and used with nouns, おのおの is literary. Let me walk through them!

それぞれ, 各（かく）, and おのおの all express the idea of “each” or “respective,” but they differ in register, usage, and nuance. Here’s a complete guide to choosing the right one.

At a Glance

それぞれ: The Everyday “Each”

それぞれ is the most common and versatile. It emphasizes that each item or person has their own individual quality or way:

• それぞれの意見を尊重する。— We respect each person’s opinion.
• みんなそれぞれ違う。— Everyone is different in their own way.
• それぞれのやり方でやってください。— Please do it each in your own way.
• 二つの商品にはそれぞれ特徴がある。— The two products each have their own features.
• それぞれの立場から考える。— To think from each person’s perspective.

各: Formal Prefix Before Nouns

各 is used as a prefix before nouns in formal and business contexts — it means “each” or “every” before a category:

• 各部署に連絡しました。— I contacted each department.
• 各国の代表が集まった。— Representatives from each country gathered.
• 各自で準備してください。— Please prepare individually (each of you).
• 各地で祭りが開催される。— Festivals are held in each region.
• 各種手続きが必要です。— Various (each kind of) procedures are required.

Yuka

So 各 always comes right before a noun — 各部署, 各国 — while それぞれ can stand alone or come before の?

Rei

Exactly! 各 is a prefix — it attaches directly to a noun (各＋部署). それぞれ can stand alone or be followed by の (それぞれの意見). That structural difference makes them easy to distinguish.

おのおの: Literary “Each Person”

おのおの is a literary or formal expression, often seen in written text or formal speeches:

• おのおのが責任を持つべきだ。— Each person should take responsibility.
• おのおのの判断に任せる。— I leave it to each person’s judgment.
• おのおのが力を合わせる。— Each one contributes their strength.

Note: おのおの sounds quite formal and old-fashioned in everyday speech. In conversation, それぞれ is almost always preferred.

Quick Quiz

1. ___自で準備をお願いします。(each — formal before noun) → 各
2. 二人は___の夢を追っている。(each in their own way) → それぞれ
3. ___の意見を尊重してください。(each, written/formal) → おのおの
4. ___地で異なるルールがある。(each region — formal prefix) → 各

Summary

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