Learning how to express “per person” in Japanese is a useful skill when you are dining out, traveling, or splitting expenses. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to say “per person” in Japanese. While there are no significant regional variations for this phrase, we will focus on standard Japanese usage. With various tips, examples, and a warm tone, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate this essential phrase in Japanese conversation.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions for “Per Person”
In formal Japanese, several phrases can be used to convey the meaning of “per person.” Let’s explore some of the most common ones:
1. ひとりひとりに (Hitori hitori ni)
When discussing something that applies to each individual, you can use the phrase “ひとりひとりに” which translates as “to each person” or “per person.”
For formal business dinners, payments are often made “per person.”
フォーマルな接待ディナーでは、ひとりひとりにお支払いいただくことがよくあります。
2. 一人当たり (Hitori atari)
Another common formal expression is “一人当たり”, which directly means “per person” or “per capita” and is often used to determine cost distribution, such as splitting a bill evenly.
The cost of the party is divided equally, 10,000 yen per person.
パーティーの費用は均等に分けられて、一人当たり１万円です。
Informal Expressions for “Per Person”
In informal or casual contexts, Japanese has simpler ways to express “per person.” Let’s look at some commonly used phrases:
1. 一人ずつ (Hitori zutsu)
When counting or distributing items individually, “一人ずつ” is frequently employed to indicate “one per person” or “each.”
Please take one brochure per person.
一人ずつパンフレットを取ってください。
2. 人数ごと (Ninzu goto)
“人数ごと” can be used in a more casual setting and literally means “per number of people.” It’s often used when discussing reservations, accommodations, or planning events.
We organize the table layout per number of people attending the event.
イベントに参加する人数ごとに席の配置を行います。
Additional Tips and Phrases
Here are some additional tips and phrases to expand your understanding of expressing “per person” in Japanese:
- If you want to emphasize a sense of equality, you can use the word “均等に” (kintouni), which means “equally” or “evenly.”
- When it comes to counting people, the counter “人” (nin) is commonly used. For example, “3 people” can be expressed as “三人” (san nin).
- To specify the amount or cost, you can add the word “お値段” (one-day), which means “price” or “fee.” For instance, “500 yen per person” would be “一人当たり500円お値段” (hitori atari gohyaku en onedan).
Summary
Congratulations! You have now learned several ways to say “per person” in Japanese. In formal settings, phrases like “ひとりひとりに” (hitori hitori ni) and “一人当たり” (hitori atari) are commonly used. For informal situations, “一人ずつ” (hitori zutsu) and “人数ごと” (ninzu goto) are more appropriate. Remember to pay attention to counters and consider using words like “均等に” (kintouni) and “お値段” (one-day) for added clarity. Keep practicing and integrating these phrases into your conversations, and soon using them will become second nature.
