ずつ
Each / At A Time
zutsu
TypeAdverbial
JLPT Leveln3
Summary
Distributes an amount evenly across items or actions, meaning 'each', 'apiece', or 'at a time'.
Usage Rules
- •Distribution per item: 一つずつ = one each
- •Indicates evenly distributed quantity
- •After quantities: Xずつ = X at a time / X each
- •Not used with negative verbs
- •Can be used with time expressions: 少しずつ = little by little
Example Sentences
一つずつとってください。
Please take one at a time.
毎日すこしずつべんきょうする。
I study a little bit each day.
みんなに三つずつくばった。
I handed out three to each person.
かいだんを一ほずつ上りましょう。
Let's climb the stairs one step at a time.
にっきを一日ずつ書いている。
I write my diary day by day.
Common Mistake
Using ずつ with negative verbs (ずつ implies positive/even distribution, not used with negatives).