Processing keyword: ～ずつ (〜zutsu)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～ずつ (〜zutsu)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～ずつ (～zutsu)

1. Introduction

The suffix ～ずつ (～zutsu) is used in Japanese to indicate that something is occurring in equal amounts, quantities, or increments. It conveys the meaning of "each," "apiece," "at a time," or "by" when attached to numbers or quantity expressions.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ～ずつ expresses the idea of distributing or repeating something in uniform quantities or increments.
• It emphasizes that each person or thing receives or does the same amount.

Structure

Formation Diagram:

[Quantity Expression] + ずつ

• Quantity Expression: A number, counter, or quantifier (e.g., 一つ, 二人, 少し).

How to Form

1. Identify the Quantity Expression:
   • This can be a numeral with a counter, a quantifier, or a time expression.
   • Examples: 一つ (one item), 二人 (two people), 少し (a little), 一日 (one day).
2. Attach ～ずつ directly to the Quantity Expression:
   • No additional particles are needed.
   • Example: 一つ + ずつ = 一つずつ (one by one).

Visual Aid: Common Examples

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ～ずつ with Similar Grammar Points

～ごとに (～gotoni)

• Meaning: "Every," "each," indicating regular intervals.
• Usage: Emphasizes regular repetition over time or space. Example Comparison:
• ～ずつ: 毎日一時間ずつ勉強する。
  I study for one hour each day (emphasizing equal time allocated each day).
• ～ごとに: 一時間ごとに休憩を取る。
  I take a break every hour (emphasizing intervals).

～ずに (～zuni)

• Meaning: Indicates doing something without doing something else.
• Note: Although it sounds similar, ～ずに has a different function and meaning.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. 各部署に資料を一部ずつ配布します。
   Kaku busho ni shiryō o ichibu zutsu haifu shimasu.
   We will distribute one copy of the documents to each department.
2. お客様に一人ずつご案内いたします。
   Okyaku-sama ni hitori zutsu go-annai itashimasu.
   We will guide each customer individually.

Informal Conversations

1. お菓子をみんなで少しずつ食べよう。
   Okashi o minna de sukoshi zutsu tabeyō.
   Let's all eat the snacks little by little.
2. 宿題をページずつ終わらせた。
   Shukudai o pēji zutsu owaraseta.
   I finished the homework page by page.

Written Language

1. 彼は毎月貯金を増やしており、少しずつ目標に近づいている。
   Kare wa maitsuki chokin o fuyashite ori, sukoshi zutsu mokuhyō ni chikazuite iru.
   He increases his savings every month and is getting closer to his goal little by little.
2. 新しい技術を一つずつ学んでいくことが重要です。
   Atarashii gijutsu o hitotsu zutsu manande iku koto ga jūyō desu.
   It is important to learn new technologies one by one.

Spoken Language

1. 一人ずつ名前を言ってください。
   Hitori zutsu namae o itte kudasai.
   Please say your names one at a time.
2. この薬は食後に二錠ずつ飲んでください。
   Kono kusuri wa shokugo ni nijō zutsu nonde kudasai.
   Please take two pills after meals.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Group Harmony: The use of ～ずつ reflects the Japanese cultural emphasis on fairness and equal distribution within a group.
• Politeness Levels: ～ずつ itself is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts without affecting the politeness level.

Idiomatic Expressions

1. 少しずつ (sukoshi zutsu) - "Little by little"
   • Usage: Often used to describe gradual progress.
   • Example: 日本語が少しずつ上達しています。
     Nihongo ga sukoshi zutsu jōtatsu shite imasu.
     My Japanese is improving little by little.
2. 一歩ずつ (ippo zutsu) - "Step by step"
   • Usage: Emphasizes making progress one step at a time.
   • Example: 目標に向かって一歩ずつ進みましょう。
     Mokuhyō ni mukatte ippo zutsu susumimashō.
     Let's move towards our goal step by step.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Forgetting to Attach ～ずつ to a Quantity Expression
   • Incorrect: 彼にずつ渡した。
     Kare ni zutsu watashita.
   • Correct: 彼に一枚ずつ渡した。
     Kare ni ichimai zutsu watashita.
     I handed him one sheet each.
2. Using Particles After ～ずつ
   • Incorrect: りんごを一つずつを食べた。
     Ringo o hitotsu zutsu o tabeta.
   • Correct: りんごを一つずつ食べた。
     Ringo o hitotsu zutsu tabeta.
     I ate the apples one by one.

Learning Strategies

• Tip: Always ensure ～ずつ follows a quantity or amount.
• Mnemonic: Think of zutsu as "each"—when you distribute something, you give "ze- two" (sounds like "zutsu") each.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～ずつ is used to indicate equal amounts or increments.
• It attaches directly to quantity expressions without additional particles.
• It is versatile and appropriate in various contexts, both formal and informal.
• Common with idiomatic expressions emphasizing gradual progress or equal distribution.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: 毎朝、単語を五つ______覚えています。
   Maiasa, tango o itsutsu ______ oboete imasu.
   Every morning, I memorize five vocabulary words each. Answer: ずつ
2. True or False: You can use particles like を or に after ～ずつ. Answer: False (Particles are not used immediately after ～ずつ.)
3. Choose the correct sentence: a) 先生は生徒にプリントを二枚ずつを配った。
   b) 先生は生徒にプリントを二枚ずつ配った。 Answer: b)

By understanding and practicing ～ずつ, you can accurately express equal distribution and gradual progression in Japanese. Remember to attach it directly to a quantity expression, and you'll be able to use this grammar point effectively in your conversations and writing.