# ずつ: each; at a time > Learn how to use ずつ, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning each; at a time, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N3 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n3-zutsu/ **ずつ** means **each; at a time**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **show equal distribution or repeated small amounts**. This grammar point often appears in **neutral** Japanese. If you want to **show equal distribution or repeated small amounts**, **ずつ** is a useful pattern to learn. ## What does ずつ mean? Use **ずつ** when you want to **show equal distribution or repeated small amounts**. Natural translations include: - each; at a time - each - each / at a time ## How to form ずつ

Quantity + ずつ

Examples of the pattern: - 一人ずつ - 少しずつ - 二つずつ The form before the grammar point matters. In JLPT questions, the wrong answer choices often use a similar meaning but attach it to the wrong type of word. ## When is ずつ used? Use **ずつ** in situations like: - explaining grammar in context - answering JLPT reading questions - making natural Japanese sentences Tone and register: - neutral - Common in JLPT reading, grammar questions, and natural Japanese sentences ## ずつ example sentences

一いち人にんずつ名な前まえを呼よんで下ください。

Please call the names one person at a time.

polite

毎まい日にち少すこしずつ日に本ほん語ごを勉べん強きょうしています。

I study Japanese little by little every day.

ongoing

子こ供どもたちに三さん個こずつお菓か子しを配くばった。

I gave the children three sweets each.

distribution

二に人にんずつ部へ屋やに入はいってください。

Please enter the room two people at a time.

instruction

貯ちょ金きんが少すこしずつ増ふえています。

My savings are increasing little by little.

change

After reading each sentence, ask what job **ずつ** is doing: showing equal distribution or repeated small amounts. That makes the nuance easier to remember than a one-word translation. ## Nuance of ずつ The key nuance is **a natural way to express “each; at a time” with the right context and tone**. This matters because **ずつ** does more than match a single English phrase. It shows how the speaker frames the reason, comparison, intention, impossibility, distribution, or expected conclusion in the sentence. For example: - In context, it sounds natural when the surrounding sentence supports the nuance. - Compared with **[ごとに](/blog/n3-goto-ni/)**, it has a different focus and level of formality. ## ずつ vs ごとに Both **ずつ** and **[ごとに](/blog/n3-goto-ni/)** can appear in related situations, but they are different.

ずつ

each; at a time

Use for equal amounts per group or gradual increments.

一いち人にんずつ名な前まえを呼よんでください。

Please call the names one person at a time.

ごとに

every; each interval

Use for regular intervals or repetitions.

一いちつごとにチェックする。

Check every single one.

If both translations seem possible, check the tone. Is the sentence describing equal portions, gradual change, regular intervals, or spaced repetition? The context often tells you which grammar point is natural. ## Common mistakes with ずつ

❌

Using ずつ with the wrong form

✅

Attach ずつ directly to a quantity or amount, such as 一いち人にん or 少すこし

❌

Confusing ずつ with ごとに

✅

Use ずつ for equal amounts per group; use ごとに for regular intervals

❌

Translating it too literally instead of reading the whole sentence

✅

Read the full sentence to confirm equal distribution or gradual increase

## Is ずつ on the JLPT?

Yes. ずつ is commonly taught as JLPT N3 grammar.

recognize it in reading
understand its nuance in context
use it in simple original sentences

For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions often test whether you understand quantity and distribution patterns.

## Practice questions for ずつ

1 Write one sentence using ずつ. production

2 Contrast ずつ with ごとに. comparison

3 Make a JLPT-style sentence where the context makes the meaning clear. application

Keep your first sentences simple. Once the structure feels natural, add more context so the nuance becomes clear. ## Learning path for ずつ

First, make sure you can form ずつ without looking at the pattern chart.

Next, compare it with ごとに and 一度に. These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance.

Finally, write sentences about repeated events, equal amounts, ranges, or intervals; then check whether replacing ずつ with たびに changes the meaning.

## Related grammar to review next - [一度に（いちどに）](/blog/n3-ichido-ni/) — because it also describes distribution, repetition, range, or intervals - [ごとに](/blog/n3-goto-ni/) — because it also describes distribution, repetition, range, or intervals - [たびに](/blog/n3-tabi-ni/) — because it also describes distribution, repetition, range, or intervals - [中（ちゅう / じゅう）](/blog/n3-chuu-juu/) — because it also describes distribution, repetition, range, or intervals ## Learn ずつ with Hane If you want to review **ずつ** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N3 grammar lessons](/blog/n3/)