一人一人

• Reading: ひとりひとり
• Romaji: hitorihitori
• Kanji breakdown: 一 (ichi/hito) — one; 人 (jin/nin/hito) — person
• Pronunciation: /çi.to.ɾi.çi.to.ɾi/

Meaning

One by one; each person; every individual. Emphasises treating people as separate individuals.

Functions as both a noun and an adverb. As an adverb it describes doing something to each person individually (一人一人に声をかける, speak to each person). As a noun it emphasises individuality (一人一人が大切だ, each person matters). Also written as 一人ひとり. Part of the broader Japanese pattern of repeating counters: 一つ一つ (one thing at a time), 一日一日 (day by day).

Examples

1. 先生は生徒を一人一人名前で呼んだ。 The teacher called each student by name.
2. 一人一人の意見を大切にしたい。 I want to value each person's opinion.
3. 面接では一人一人丁寧に話を聞いた。 During the interview, they listened carefully to each person.

Usage Guide

Context: school, workplace, speeches

Tone: respectful

Origin & History

A reduplication of 一人 (hitori, one person), following the common Japanese pattern of doubling words to indicate 'each' or 'one at a time.' The kanji 一 means 'one' and 人 means 'person.'

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal