ずつ

The particle ずつ is used to express equal distribution or gradual repetition. It attaches to numbers, counters, or quantity words to indicate "each," "apiece," "at a time," or "gradually."

Equal distribution

When attached to a number or counter, ずつ indicates that something is divided or distributed equally among people, groups, or items.

This usage answers the question "how many per unit?" – whether per person, per group, per time, etc.

Gradual change or repetition

When used with words like すこし少し (a little) or いっぽ一歩 (one step), ずつ expresses the idea that something happens gradually or little by little.

This nuance emphasizes steady, incremental progress or change over time.

Common patterns

• Number/Counter + ずつ: equal distribution – "X each" or "X at a time"
• すこし少しずつ / ちょっとずつ: little by little, gradually
• ひとつ一つずつ / ひとり一人ずつ: one by one, one at a time

ずつ always follows the quantity expression directly. It does not require any particle between the number and ずつ, though the resulting phrase can be followed by particles like に or で depending on the sentence structure.