別々

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 別々, read べつべつ, means being separate rather than together as one.
• Basic usage: It is used when people walk in different directions or plates are wrapped in separate sheets of paper.
  • 帰る方向が違うので、駅からは別々に歩いた。

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• What follows に and の
  • に in 別々に歩いた describes the manner of walking separately.
  • の in 別々の紙 modifies the noun to describe distinct sheets of paper.