Translation guide
The English word 'gradually' describes a slow, step-by-step change over time. In Japanese, this idea is often expressed through adverbs, verb forms, or sentence patterns that emphasize a gradual process.
Expressing that something changes little by little over time, without sudden jumps.
The most common and neutral adverb for 'gradually'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
It's gradually getting warmer.
He is gradually recovering.
Very common in casual conversation. Often used with ～ていく/～てくる to show a gradual change.
It's gradually getting dark.
You'll gradually get better.
Literally 'little by little'. Emphasizes small increments. Often used with verbs of progress.
I'm studying Japanese little by little.
Add water gradually.
Verb ending patterns that indicate a gradual change over time. ～ていく for ongoing change into the future, ～てくる for change up to now.
It will gradually get hotter from now on.
Lately, I've gradually come to understand Japanese.
More formal/literary than 徐々に. Often used in written language or formal speech.
The fog gradually cleared.
Describing a quantity, level, or intensity that slowly rises or falls.
Pattern meaning 'the more... the more...'. Shows a proportional gradual change.
The more you practice, the better you get.
Works for both increase and decrease.
Coming to understand or realize something over time.
徐々に is neutral and can be used in any situation. だんだん is more casual and conversational. 少しずつ emphasizes small, discrete steps and is often used with deliberate actions.
gradually recover
gradually get better
walk little by little
While 徐々に is correct, using it too much in casual conversation can sound stiff. In everyday talk, だんだん or 少しずつ are more natural.
人口が徐々に減っている。
The population is gradually decreasing.
徐々に真実が明らかになった。
The truth gradually came to light.