各

Distributive in nature; refers to the exhaustive inclusion of individuals within a group rather than a collective unit. The underlying sense is one of divergence or separation.

• Determiner (Pre-noun): Marks a noun as an individual unit within a set (“each [noun],” “every [noun]”).
• Adverbial (Pre-verb): Indicates that an action is performed respectively or independently (“individually,” “separately”).
• Pronominal: Functions as a subject or object meaning “each one” or “everyone.”

• Distributive vs. Collective: Contrast with collective markers such as 全 (quán) or 皆 (jiē). While the latter imply a unified body, 各 emphasizes that an action applies to every member individually.
• 各自 (gè zì): The addition of 自 (“self”) reinforces independence, autonomy, or isolation.

When translating verbs preceded by this glyph, consider whether the author is emphasizing that the subjects are moving in different directions or performing an action in different ways.