Translation guide
Expresses doing something gradually, in small amounts, or piece by piece. Japanese uses adverbs, idiomatic phrases, and mimetic words to convey this idea.
Describing a process that happens slowly and steadily, often with a sense of accumulation.
The most common and neutral way to say 'bit by bit' or 'little by little'. Used for gradual progress or accumulation.
My Japanese is improving bit by bit.
My savings are increasing little by little.
More formal and often used in written or technical contexts. Implies a gradual, step-by-step change.
The economy is recovering bit by bit.
Mimetic adverb suggesting a slow, creeping, or seeping progress. Often used for emotions, pain, or subtle changes.
Sweat oozes out bit by bit.
Focusing on dividing something into small parts and dealing with them one at a time.
Also works for physical division or consumption in small amounts.
Let's eat this cake bit by bit.
Literally 'by dividing into small portions'. Used when physically separating items or tasks.
Let's proceed with the work bit by bit (by breaking it into smaller tasks).
Colloquial mimetic word for consuming something (especially drinks) in small sips or amounts over time.
Emphasizing a sequential, methodical approach rather than speed.
少しずつ is the everyday, versatile choice. 徐々に is more formal and often used in news, reports, or written descriptions of gradual change. In casual speech, 徐々に can sound stiff.
I'm getting used to it bit by bit.
The population is gradually decreasing.
Do not translate 'bit by bit' word-for-word as ビットバイビット or 少しによって少し. These are not natural Japanese. Use the adverbs and phrases above instead.
ウイスキーをちびちび飲む。
Sip whiskey bit by bit.