Translation guide
Expresses gradual change or progression, step by step, little by little.
To describe something happening slowly, in small increments, or step by step.
The most common and natural way to say 'little by little' or 'by degrees'. Used for gradual progress or change.
My Japanese is improving little by little.
Means 'gradually' or 'steadily'. Slightly more formal than 少しずつ, often used in written or formal contexts.
Common in spoken Japanese for 'gradually' or 'more and more'. Often used with verbs of change.
Literally 'one step at a time'. Emphasizes a step-by-step process, often used for personal growth or learning.
It's been getting warmer by degrees.
景気は徐々に回復している。
The economy is recovering by degrees.
It's getting dark by degrees.
I'm getting closer to my goal by degrees.