Processing keyword: ～ずつ (〜zutsu)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～ずつ (〜zutsu)

Grammar Point: ～ずつ (〜zutsu)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～ずつ (〜zutsu) is used to indicate a gradual or by increments action or state. It implies a distribution or a continuous process where something is happening step by step or piece by piece.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The expression translates to "at a time," "each," or "every" in English, often implying a gradual increase or decrease in a quantity or an action.

• Structure:

  • The structure is formed by taking the verb in its negative form (without い) and adding ずつ.
  • For example, the verb 食べる (taberu, "to eat") becomes 食べない (tabenai, "not to eat"). Modified, it becomes 食べずつ.

Formation Diagram

[Verb (Negative Form)] + ずつ
↓
 食べずつ (to eat piece by piece)

Usage

Used to express situations where actions or quantities are done gradually, rather than all at once.

3. Comparative Analysis

Differences with Similar Points

• ～ごと (〜goto): Generally indicates each instance or occurrence, suitable for counting items or events. Whereas, ～ずつ emphasizes the process of distribution.
  • Example with ごと: 毎日一時間ずつ勉強します。(Mainichi ichi jikan goto benkyou shimasu.) - "I study for one hour each day."

Comparison: | Grammar Point | Meaning | Usage Scenario | |:----------------:|:------------------------:|:---------------------------------------------:| | ～ずつ | At a time, gradually | Ongoing processes | | ～ごと | Each, every | Counting individual instances or occurrences |

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • 毎日、少しずつ日本語を勉強しています。
   • (Mainichi, sukoshi zutsu Nihongo wo benkyou shiteimasu.)
   • "I study Japanese little by little each day."
2. Informal:
   • 彼は、ずっとゲームをしてた。
   • (Kare wa, zutto geemu wo shiteta.)
   • "He was playing games bit by bit."
3. Written:
   • この仕事は、一歩ずつ進める必要がある。
   • (Kono shigoto wa, ippo zutsu susumeru hitsuyou ga aru.)
   • "This task needs to be progressed step by step."
4. Spoken:
   • お金を少しずつ貯めているよ。
   • (Okane wo sukoshi zutsu tamete iru yo.)
   • "I am saving money little by little."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, the concept of gradual improvement and patience is highly valued. The grammar point ～ずつ reflects this mindset, promoting steady progress rather than rushed achievements.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 少しずつ (sukoshi zutsu) - "Little by little."
• 一歩ずつ (ippo zutsu) - "Step by step."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Neglecting the Negative Form: Students often mistakenly use the affirmative form of the verb instead of the negative form.
• Forgetting the Context: Misunderstanding the gradual process it implies can lead to incorrect use.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember "zutsu" as “slowly adding up” for gradual incrementality. Visualize stacking blocks one by one.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～ずつ indicates a gradual process or distribution of actions.
• Formed using the negative form of a verb plus ずつ.
• It promotes the idea of steady progress and patience in both language and culture.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What form must a verb be in to use ～ずつ?
   • a. Affirmative
   • b. Negative
2. What does ～ずつ express?
   • a. Completeness
   • b. Gradual action
3. Translate: 「彼は少しずつ料理を学んでいる。」(Kare wa sukoshi zutsu ryouri wo manande iru.)
   • a. He is learning to cook gradually.
   • b. He is cooking all at once.

Answers:

1. b
2. b
3. a