各自

• Pinyin: gè zì
• Hanzi breakdown: 各 = 夂 (foot) + 口 (mouth); 自 = pictograph of a nose, extended to mean 'self'

Meaning

Each; respectively; on one's own. Indicates that each person in a group acts independently.

Emphasises that the members of a group do something individually or separately rather than together. Often used in contexts where people go their separate ways or handle their own responsibilities. Frequently appears in the pattern 各自...各自... for parallel actions.

Examples

1. 会议结束后，大家各自回家了。 After the meeting, everyone went home separately.
2. 我们各自点了不同的菜。 We each ordered different dishes.
3. 兄弟两个长大后各自有了自己的生活。 After growing up, the two brothers each had their own lives.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, narrative, work

Tone: objective

Do Say

• 下课后同学们各自回家。(After class the students each went home.)
• 我们各自负责不同的工作。(We are each responsible for different tasks.)

Don't Say

• 我各自去了商店。(Don't use 各自 for a single person — it requires a group. Say 我自己去了商店.)

Origin & History

Compound of 各 (each) and 自 (self). Literally 'each self,' stressing that every individual acts on their own.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal