Translation guide
To express that something happens slowly over time, step by step, or little by little.
Describe a process that advances in small increments.
It's gradually getting warmer.
His health is gradually recovering.
Means 'little by little', emphasizing small amounts at a time. Very common in spoken Japanese.
My Japanese is improving little by little.
I'm gradually increasing my savings.
Common adverb for gradual change, often used in everyday speech. Implies a natural progression.
It's gradually getting dark.
You'll gradually get used to it.
Similar to 徐々に but slightly more formal or literary. Often used in written descriptions.
The fog gradually lifted.
Describe a gentle, not steep, physical slope.
Adjective meaning 'gentle' or 'gradual' for slopes, curves, or changes. Can also describe moderate rules.
This slope is gradual.
A road with a gradual curve
Specifically for gentle, smooth slopes or inclines. Often used in geography or hiking contexts.
Gentle hills stretch on.
Emphasize a smooth, step-by-step transition from one state to another.
Pattern combining 徐々に with 〜ていく (ongoing change into the future) or 〜てくる (change up to now).
It's gradually getting brighter.
I've gradually come to understand.
Formal, technical term for 'gradual' or 'incremental', often used in policy or academic contexts.
All three mean 'gradually', but 徐々に is neutral and slightly formal, だんだん is casual and often implies a natural progression, and 少しずつ emphasizes small quantities or steps. In many situations they are interchangeable, but 少しずつ is preferred when focusing on incremental amounts.
Gradually increase speed.
It's gradually getting interesting.
Eat little by little.
English 'gradual' can sometimes be translated as ゆっくり (slowly) if the focus is on speed rather than incremental progress. Choose based on whether you mean 'step by step' or simply 'not fast'.
Promote gradual reform.