Japanese grammar
What does ～ずつ mean? Japanese grammar N4
～ずつ means each ~, ~ at a time.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N4 |
|---|---|
| Structure | quantity + ずつ |
| Romaji | ~ zutsu |
| Meaning | each ~, ~ at a time |
Forming it
| Gradually | 少し + ずつ (little by little) |
|---|---|
| Equal division | 数量 + ずつ + V |
How to use it
Indicating an equal division or a regular repetition unit by unit.
- ずつ attaches after a QUANTITY, meaning "an equal share of ~ each": 「一人に二枚ずつ配ります」(giving two sheets to each person). The focus is on EQUAL DIVISION.
- Second meaning — REGULAR REPETITION over time: 「毎日三十分ずつ勉強します」(studying 30 minutes each day). Here ずつ emphasizes that the same amount repeats consistently each time.
- An extremely common phrase: 少しずつ (little by little, gradually) — 「少しずつ上手になっています」(getting better little by little). Beginners should memorize this whole phrase.
- ずつ does not stand alone after a bare noun — there must always be a quantity or amount word (少し・一つ・二人) before it.
Examples
一人に紙を二枚ずつ配ってください。
Please hand out two sheets of paper to each person.
毎日三十分ずつ漢字を練習しています。
I practice kanji for thirty minutes each day.
日本語が少しずつ分かるようになりました。
I have gradually come to understand Japanese little by little.
Keep in mind
- ずつ usually doesn't take the particle を after it: 「二枚ずつ配ります」, not 「二枚ずつを配ります」.
- Other common phrases: 一つずつ (one by one), 一人ずつ (one person at a time).
Common mistakes
-
Wrong紙ずつ配ります。
I handed out two sheets of paper to each person.
Correct紙を二枚ずつ配ります。
ずつ must attach after a QUANTITY (二枚・一つ・少し), not directly after a bare noun.
-
Wrong二枚ずつを配ります。
I handed out two sheets to each person.
Correct二枚ずつ配ります。
Don't add を after ずつ — the phrase "quantity + ずつ" already acts as an adverbial, and を belongs to 紙を earlier in the sentence.
Exam tips
- Memorize the whole phrase 少しずつ — it appears a lot in both the reading and listening sections of N4.