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.
日本語が少しずつ上手になっています。
My Japanese is improving little by little.
少しずつ暖かくなってきた。
It's been getting warmer by degrees.
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.
The economy is recovering by degrees.
だんだん暗くなってきた。
It's getting dark by degrees.
一歩一歩、目標に近づいている。
I'm getting closer to my goal by degrees.