それぞれ

When distributing items, 「それぞれ」 can be used, but depending on the nuance, 「一つずつ」 (one by one) or 「各自」 (each person takes one) might be more precise.

「それぞれ」 highlights individual actions within a group, whereas terms like 「皆」 (everyone) or 「全員」 (all members) emphasize collective action.

「それぞれ」 is generally versatile. 「各々」 is more formal, 「各自」 is for instructions to individuals, and 「めいめい」 is a bit more casual.

Like 「それぞれ」, this also means 'each' or 'individually'. The main difference is nuance and formality.

「各々」 often implies a higher degree of individual responsibility or action. It can sound a bit more formal or archaic than 「それぞれ」. Think of it as 'each and every one'.

会議で各々意見を述べた。 (Each person at the meeting stated their opinion.)

Also translates to 'each person' or 'everyone individually'.

「各自」 is almost exclusively used for people and implies that each individual should do something on their own initiative or according to their own responsibility. It's very common in instructions or notices.

各自、昼食を用意してください。 (Everyone, please prepare your own lunch.)

Similar to 「それぞれ」, meaning 'each one' or 'individually'.

「めいめい」 has a slightly more casual and often warmer nuance than 「それぞれ」. It can imply a sense of independence within a group, where each person is doing their own thing.

めいめい好きな席に座った。 (Each person sat in their favorite seat.)

Means 'one by one', which can sometimes overlap with the idea of 'individually'.

While 「それぞれ」 focuses on the individual items or people, 「一つずつ」 emphasizes the sequential action of handling or doing things one at a time. It's about the manner of distribution or processing.

りんごを一つずつ食べた。 (I ate the apples one by one.)

Means 'everyone' or 'all', which is the opposite of 'individually'.

「皆」 refers to the entire group collectively, while 「それぞれ」 focuses on the individual members within that group. They are often used in contrast to each other.

皆が賛成したが、それぞれ違う意見も持っていた。 (Everyone agreed, but each person also had different opinions.)