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.
徐々に暖かくなってきた。
It's gradually getting warmer.
彼は徐々に回復している。
He is gradually recovering.
Very common in casual conversation. Often used with ～ていく/～てくる to show a gradual change.
だんだん暗くなってきた。
It's gradually getting dark.
だんだん上手になるよ。
You'll gradually get better.
Literally 'little by little'. Emphasizes small increments. Often used with verbs of progress.
少しずつ日本語を勉強しています。
I'm studying Japanese little by little.
水を少しずつ加える。
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.
これからもっと暑くなっていく。
It will gradually get hotter from now on.
最近、日本語がわかってきた。
Lately, I've gradually come to understand Japanese.
More formal/literary than 徐々に. Often used in written language or formal speech.
次第に霧が晴れてきた。
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.
練習すればするほど上手になる。
The more you practice, the better you get.
Works for both increase and decrease.
人口が徐々に減っている。
The population is gradually decreasing.
Coming to understand or realize something over time.
Pattern indicating a change in state or ability over time. Often used with potential form verbs.
だんだん日本語が話せるようになった。
I gradually became able to speak Japanese.
Can be combined with verbs of understanding.
徐々に真実が明らかになった。
The truth gradually came to light.
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.
徐々に回復する (formal/written)
gradually recover
だんだん元気になる (casual)
gradually get better
少しずつ歩く (step by step)
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.
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.