cada cual
Lemma Details
Translation: each one; each person; everyone
Part of Speech: pronoun
Etymology: Derived from Spanish 'cada' (each) + 'cual' (which, who). 'Cada' comes from Latin 'cata' meaning 'according to' or 'by', which was borrowed from Greek 'kata'. 'Cual' derives from Latin 'qualis' meaning 'of what kind'. The combination creates an indefinite pronoun that refers to each individual in a group.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'cada' as 'each' and 'cual' as 'quality' - each person with their own qualities.
- Sounds like 'caddy call' - imagine each golfer (cada cual) calling for their own caddy.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Used widely in Spanish-speaking countries to emphasize individual responsibility or action within a group. It's slightly more formal than 'cada uno' in some contexts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both mean 'each one', 'cada cual' is sometimes perceived as slightly more formal or literary. 'Cada uno' is more commonly used in everyday speech.
Confused word:
Cada uno de los estudiantes recibió un libro.
Each one of the students received a book.
Notes: In many contexts, these terms are interchangeable, but 'cada cual' sometimes carries a more emphatic tone about individuality.
Mnemonic: 'Cual' sounds more formal than 'uno', so 'cada cual' is the more formal-sounding option.
Explanation: 'Cada cual' means 'each one' specifically, while 'cualquiera' means 'anyone' or 'whichever one' without specifying each individual.
Notes: 'Cada cual' implies all individuals in a group acting separately, while 'cualquiera' suggests random selection from a group.
Mnemonic: 'Cada cual' is about EACH individual, while 'cualquiera' is about ANY individual.