〜ずつ

ずつ
suffix
each, at a time, apiece
1. each, at a time
Suffix attached to quantity expressions to indicate equal distribution or gradual progression. Shows that something is done in equal portions or increments.
(ひと)つずつ()ってください。
Please take one each.
(すこ)しずつ日本語(にほんご)()かるようになった。
I gradually came to understand Japanese little by little.
(さん)(にん)ずつのグループを(つく)ってください。
Please form groups of three people each.
一人(ひとり)(いっ)(まい)ずつ(かみ)()って、名前(なまえ)()いてください。
Please take one sheet of paper each and write your name.
毎日(まいにち)(すこ)しずつ漢字(かんじ)(おぼ)えれば、(いち)(ねん)でたくさんの漢字(かんじ)()めるようになる。
If you learn kanji little by little every day, you'll be able to read many kanji in a year.

USAGE PATTERNS:

  • Number + counter + ずつ: (ひと)つずつ (one each), (ふた)つずつ (two each)
  • (すこ)しずつ (little by little, gradually)
  • 一歩(いっぽ)ずつ (step by step)
  • 一日(いちにち)ずつ (day by day)

MEANINGS:
1. Equal distribution: (いっ)()ずつ(くば)る (distribute one each)
2. Gradual progression: (すこ)しずつ上手(じょうず)になる (get better little by little)

The suffix attaches directly to the quantity word without particles.