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
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
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, 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.
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
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
Keep your first sentences simple. Once the structure feels natural, add more context so the nuance becomes clear.
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.
Browse more lessons here:
FAQ about ずつ
What does ずつ mean in Japanese?
ずつ means “each; at a time” in Japanese. It is an N3 grammar point, and this lesson explains its formation, nuance, example sentences, common mistakes, and similar grammar.
Is ずつ on the JLPT?
ずつ is taught as N3 Japanese grammar in Hane's grammar lesson archive. Review it with examples, usage notes, and related N3 patterns.
How should I practice ずつ?
Read several example sentences, identify the form before and after ずつ, then make your own short sentences and compare it with nearby grammar points.