Translation guide
The English adverb 'separately' indicates that things are done or considered apart from each other, not together. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adverbs, verb forms, and sentence patterns depending on whether you mean 'individually', 'apart', 'one by one', or 'not together'. The most common and versatile option is 別々に (betsubetsu ni).
To say that people or things are handled, done, or considered as separate units, not as a group.
The most common and neutral way to say 'separately'. It can be used for actions, payments, living arrangements, etc.
会計は別々にしてください。
Please split the bill (pay separately).
They live separately.
Means 'each' or 'respectively'. Often used when each person/thing does something different or has their own. It implies separate handling but focuses on individuality.
それぞれの意見を聞かせてください。
Please tell me your opinions separately (each person's opinion).
彼らはそれぞれ別の道を選んだ。
They each chose separate paths.
More formal, often used in business or technical contexts. Means 'individually' or 'on a case-by-case basis'.
問題は個別に対応します。
We will handle each issue separately.
Can mean 'separately' but is often used in negative sentences to mean 'not particularly'. When used positively, it can mean 'apart from that' or 'in addition'. Use with care.
When used alone, 別に often means 'not really' in casual speech. To clearly mean 'separately', use 別々に or add context.
それは別に話しましょう。
Let's discuss that separately.
To describe doing something to each item or person in sequence, not all at once.
Means 'one by one' or 'one at a time'. Used for countable items. Can be replaced with 一人ずつ (ひとりずつ) for people.
問題を一つずつ解決していきましょう。
Let's solve the problems one by one (separately).
Means 'in order' or 'in turn'. Implies a sequence, but each is handled separately.
順番に名前を呼びます。
I will call your names one by one (separately).
To say that things or people are placed or kept apart from each other.
The te-form of 離す (to separate). Used when physically separating items.
洗濯物は色物と白物を離して洗ってください。
Please wash colored and white clothes separately (apart).
Literally 'in a separate place'. Used when storing or putting things in different locations.
書類は別の場所に保管してください。
Please keep the documents separately (in a different place).
To indicate that something is done or exists in addition to or apart from something else.
Pattern meaning 'separately from ~' or 'aside from ~'. Used to add information or actions.
給料とは別にボーナスが出た。
I got a bonus separately from my salary.
本題とは別に、一つ質問があります。
Separately from the main topic, I have one question.
Means 'apart from ~' or 'leaving aside ~'. Used to set something aside before discussing the main point.
冗談は別として、真面目な話をしよう。
Joking aside, let's talk seriously.
While 別々に is the most direct translation, it's not always natural. For example, 'Please answer separately' might be better as それぞれ答えてください (answer individually) or 一つずつ答えてください (answer one by one) depending on context.
別々に emphasizes the separation of actions or states (e.g., paying separately, living apart). それぞれ emphasizes individuality or 'each' having their own (e.g., each person has their own opinion). They can sometimes overlap, but 別々に is more about the manner of doing, while それぞれ is about the distribution.