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.
This background has a gradation from blue to white.
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.
This photo has rich gradation.
Refers to blurring or softening edges, creating a gradual transition. Often used in art, makeup, and image editing.
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.
This system has several gradations.
Literally 'step-by-step change', this phrase explicitly conveys a gradual, staged transition.
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.
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.
The gradation of the sky is beautiful.
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.
the gradation of social change
Increase the difficulty in gradations.
Observe the gradation of colors.
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.