～ずつ (each, at a time)

• Reading: ずつ
• Romaji: zutsu
• Formation: Number/Counter + ずつ / 少し + ずつ

Meaning

A particle that indicates equal distribution of quantity. It expresses that a certain amount applies to each member of a group, or that something is done in regular, equal increments.

ずつ always follows a number or counter and distributes that quantity evenly. For example, 一人ずつ means 'one person at a time' and 三個ずつ means 'three each.' It can express distribution among recipients (全員に二枚ずつ配る — distribute two to each person) or incremental progression (少しずつ — little by little). The pattern 少しずつ is extremely common and means something changes or progresses gradually. ずつ cannot follow nouns without a counter or number. It is distinct from ごとに, which marks intervals rather than distribution.

Examples

1. 一人ずつ名前を言ってください。 Please say your names one at a time.
2. 毎日少しずつ日本語が上手になっている。 My Japanese is getting better little by little every day.
3. 子供たちにお菓子を三つずつあげた。 I gave the children three sweets each.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, written, everyday

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 二人ずつグループを作ってください。
• 薬は一日三回、一錠ずつ飲んでください。
• 少しずつ慣れてきました。

Don't Say

• 人ずつ入ってください。(ずつ requires a number before the counter — use 一人ずつ) → 一人ずつ入ってください。
• 少しずつ少しずつ進む。(Repeating 少しずつ is redundant — one 少しずつ is sufficient) → 少しずつ進む。

Origin & History

ずつ has been used since classical Japanese to indicate equal portions or increments. Its etymology is debated, but it may derive from a reduplicative pattern indicating repetition of equal units.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal