Translation guide
The English word 'gradation' refers to a gradual change or a series of successive stages. This guide helps learners express this concept naturally in Japanese, covering gradual transitions, subtle differences, and step-by-step progress.
Expressing a smooth, continuous change from one state to another, often visual or sensory.
A loanword from English, commonly used for visual gradations like color gradients, shading, or tonal transitions. Very natural in design, art, and everyday contexts.
この背景は青から白へのグラデーションになっている。
This background has a gradation from blue to white.
夕焼けの空のグラデーションが美しい。
The gradation of the sunset sky is beautiful.
A technical term for gradation, especially in photography, printing, and digital imaging. Refers to tonal gradation or grayscale levels.
この写真は階調が豊かだ。
This photo has rich gradation.
Refers to blurring or softening edges, creating a gradual transition. Often used in art, makeup, and image editing.
アイシャドウをぼかして自然なグラデーションを作る。
Blend the eyeshadow to create a natural gradation.
Describing a progression through distinct but connected levels, often in abstract or systematic contexts.
Means 'stage' or 'step' and is used to describe a series of levels or phases. When combined with modifiers, it conveys gradation.
この制度にはいくつかの段階がある。
This system has several gradations.
難易度を段階的に上げていく。
Increase the difficulty in gradations.
Literally 'step-by-step change', this phrase explicitly conveys a gradual, staged transition.
色の段階的な変化を観察する。
Observe the gradation of colors.
A formal term meaning gradual progress or advancement. Used in academic or literary contexts.
Highlighting fine distinctions or shades of meaning, often in language, art, or analysis.
Literally 'light and shade', used for gradations of color, tone, or intensity. Also metaphorically for nuances.
この絵は濃淡の使い方が巧みだ。
This painting skillfully uses gradation of light and shade.
Loanword for 'nuance', often used for subtle differences in meaning or expression.
Use グラデーション for visual or sensory smooth transitions (colors, sound). Use 段階 for discrete steps or levels in a process or system.
空のグラデーションがきれい。
The gradation of the sky is beautiful.
計画は3つの段階に分かれている。
The plan is divided into three gradations/stages.
In English, 'gradation' can be used abstractly, but in Japanese, グラデーション is strongly associated with visual or sensory transitions. For abstract gradual change, use 段階 or 漸進.
社会の段階的な変化
the gradation of social change
社会は漸進的に変化する。
Society changes by gradation.
言葉のニュアンスの違いを理解する。
Understand the gradation of meaning in words.