各 — Each, Every, Respective

Ready to explore another essential kanji? Today, we're delving into 各 (kaku), a remarkably versatile character found throughout everyday Japanese. From train station announcements to formal letters, you'll encounter it frequently. Let's uncover its meanings and uses!

Meaning

The kanji 各 primarily means "each," "every," or "respective." Think of it as singling out individuals or items from a group, highlighting their separate existence or action. It emphasizes distribution or distinction among multiple entities.

Its origin offers an interesting insight! Historically, 各 is considered a phono-semantic compound. This means it has both a semantic (meaning) component and a phonetic (sound) component. The top part, 夂 (chiku-ashi), represents "to go" or "walk slowly" – picturing a foot moving forward. The bottom part, 口 (kuchi), means "mouth."

So, how do "walking" and "mouth" combine to mean "each"? One popular interpretation connects it to people "going their separate ways" (夂) and perhaps "speaking their own minds" (口). Alternatively, it could mean "each person articulating something individually." Imagine a group dispersing, with each person heading off and perhaps voicing their own thoughts. This visual breakdown helps illustrate the concept of individual distinction and distribution that 各 conveys.

This character is made up of 6 strokes, making it relatively simple to write. It’s part of the Grade 4 kanji list, which means Japanese elementary school children learn it by their fourth year. By the time you encounter it at the JLPT N3 level, you'll be seeing it in many practical contexts.

Readings

On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings

The on'yomi of 各 comes from its original Chinese pronunciation. For 各, the main on'yomi is カク (kaku). This reading is extremely common and is used when 各 forms part of a compound word, especially in more formal or written contexts. It often appears before another noun to mean "each [noun]" or "various [nouns]."

• 各国かっこく (kakkoku) — This means "each country" or "various countries." You'll hear this in news reports or international discussions. For instance, 各国かっこくが協力きょうりょくする (kakkoku ga kyōryoku suru - each country cooperates).
• 各位かくい (kakui) — This is a very polite and formal way to address "everyone" or "all concerned," often seen in emails or formal letters. It's like "Dear Sirs/Madams" or "To Whom It May Concern." For example, 各位かくいにご連絡れんらくいたします (kakui ni go renraku itashimasu - I will inform everyone).
• 各人かくじん (kakujin) — Meaning "each person" or "individually." This highlights the individual responsibility or action within a group. You might hear 各人かくじんが意見いけんを述のべる (kakujin ga iken o noberu - each person states their opinion).

Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings

Kun'yomi are native Japanese readings that are typically used when the kanji stands alone or is combined with okurigana (送り仮名), the trailing hiragana. For 各, the main kun'yomi is おのおの (ono'ono). This reading expresses the nuance of "each," "every," or "respectively" in a uniquely Japanese manner. While 各 can be read as おのおの on its own, it's far more common to see it duplicated as 各々おのおの.

• 各々おのおの (ono'ono) — This word, with the kanji repeated, directly means "each" or "respectively." It's used to refer to individuals or items within a group, emphasizing their distinct roles or actions. For instance, 各々おのおの役割やくわりがある (ono'ono yakuwari ga aru - each has their own role).
• 各々方おのおのがた (ono'ono gata) — While a bit archaic, this phrase translates to "ladies and gentlemen" or "everyone present." You might encounter it in historical dramas or classical literature, as it's a very polite, somewhat theatrical way to address a group.
• 各々別々おのおのべつべつ (ono'ono betsubetsu) — This means "each separately" or "individually and apart." It emphasizes the complete separation of items or people. Imagine a group of friends deciding to pay 各々別々おのおのべつべつで (ono'ono betsubetsu de) for dinner.

Common Words & Compounds

Beyond these, 各 forms many other common words and compounds. You'll soon see how often it appears when expressing ideas of distribution and individuality!

• 各駅停車かくえきていしゃ (kakuekiteisha) — This is the term for a "local train" or "train that stops at every station." A very common phrase you'll hear in train stations!
• 各方面かくほうめん (kakuhoumen) — Meaning "various fields," "all directions," or "various quarters." It suggests a wide range of areas or interests.
• 各部署かくぶしょ (kakubusho) — Refers to "each department" or "various departments" within an organization.
• 各戸かくこ (kakuko) — Means "each household" or "every house." Often used in contexts like "deliver to each household."
• 各界かっかい (kakkai) — Translates to "all circles" or "various fields," similar to 各方面かくほうめん but often referring to specific professional or social circles.
• 各自かくじ (kakuji) — Meaning "each person" or "everyone (individually)." This is a frequently used term, especially for instructions like "everyone prepare their own materials."
• 各論かくろん (kakuron) — This refers to a "detailed discussion of specific points" or "chapters dealing with specific topics" within a larger work. It's the opposite of a general overview.
• 各省かくしょう (kakushou) — Meaning "each ministry" or "various ministries" within a government.
• 各所かくしょ (kakusho) — "Each place," "various places," or "everywhere."
• 各項目かくこうもく (kakukoumoku) — "Each item," "each entry," or "various items" in a list or document.
• 各日かくじつ (kakujitsu) — "Each day" or "every day."
• 各週かくしゅう (kakushū) — "Each week" or "every week."

Example Sentences

Memory Tip

To remember 各, let's look at its components: the top part 夂 looks like a person's legs walking or "going," and the bottom part 口 is a "mouth." Imagine a group of people. Each one, represented by a mouth, is "going" (walking) in their own unique direction, perhaps talking about their individual plans. Or, think of a teacher asking "each" student to "go" and "speak" their answer. This image of individual movement and expression for "each" person can help you remember this kanji effectively!