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
Examples of the pattern:
- 一人ずつ
- 少しずつ
- 二つずつ
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
After reading each sentence, ask what job ずつ is doing: showing equal distribution or repeated small amounts.
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, it has a different focus and level of formality.
ずつ vs ごとに
Both ずつ and ごとに can appear in related situations, but they are different.
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
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
Learning path for ずつ
Related grammar to review next
- 一度に（いちどに） — because it also describes distribution, repetition, range, or intervals
- ごとに — because it also describes distribution, repetition, range, or intervals
- たびに — because it also describes distribution, repetition, range, or intervals
- 中（ちゅう / じゅう） — 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.
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FAQ about ずつ
What does ずつ (zutsu) mean in Japanese?
ずつ (zutsu) means “each; at a time”. It is JLPT N3 grammar. Use ずつ when you want to show equal distribution or repeated small amounts.
How do you form ずつ (zutsu)?
Quantity + ずつ
What is an example sentence with ずつ (zutsu)?
一人ずつ名前を呼んで下さい。 — Please call the names one person at a time.