Translation guide
Expresses that something is becoming more and more the case over time. Japanese uses adverbs, verb forms, and sentence patterns rather than a single direct equivalent.
To say that something is happening or becoming true to a greater degree over time.
The most common and versatile adverb meaning 'more and more' or 'increasingly'. Used with verbs, adjectives, and nouns.
彼の健康はますます悪化している。
His health is increasingly deteriorating.
この問題はますます重要になっている。
This issue is becoming increasingly important.
An onomatopoeic adverb meaning 'rapidly' or 'more and more'. Often implies steady, noticeable progress or change. Slightly more casual than ますます.
日本語がどんどん上手になっている。
My Japanese is getting increasingly better.
気温がどんどん上がっている。
The temperature is rising increasingly.
Means 'even more' or 'all the more', emphasizing a noticeable increase beyond an already high level. Often used in written or formal contexts.
今年の冬は一段と寒さが厳しい。
This winter is increasingly severe.
A common pattern combining ますます with になる (to become) to express 'becoming increasingly ...'.
状況はますます複雑になっている。
The situation is becoming increasingly complicated.
To emphasize a continuous, gradual increase in degree or intensity.
Means 'gradually' or 'little by little'. Focuses on the step-by-step nature of the change. Often used with 〜ていく/〜てくる.
だんだん暗くなってきた。
It's getting increasingly dark.
彼の態度はだんだん変わってきた。
His attitude has been increasingly changing.
A more formal equivalent of だんだん, meaning 'gradually' or 'steadily'. Common in written language.
To express that a negative situation is becoming worse or more intense.
Pattern for 'increasingly not ...' or 'less and less'. Combines ますます with negative form.
彼はますます話さなくなった。
He increasingly stopped talking.
Can mean 'more and more' with a sense of impending climax or finality, often used in dramatic or negative contexts.
いよいよ追い詰められてきた。
We are increasingly cornered.
Formal or literary ways to express 'increasingly'.
Kanji form of ますます, used in formal writing. Same meaning but more literary.
需要は益々高まっている。
Demand is increasingly rising.
Kanji form of いよいよ, very literary and rare.
ますます is neutral and can be used in any context. どんどん implies rapid, energetic progress and is slightly casual. だんだん emphasizes a slow, step-by-step change. Choose based on the speed and formality you want to convey.
ますます寒くなる (neutral)
It's getting increasingly cold.
どんどん寒くなる (rapid change)
It's getting colder and colder rapidly.
だんだん寒くなる (gradual change)
It's gradually getting colder.
There is no single Japanese word that directly translates 'increasingly' in all contexts. Using 増加的に (zoukateki ni) is not natural. Instead, use the adverbs and patterns above depending on the nuance.
彼女はますます自信をつけている。
She is becoming increasingly confident.
状況はますます複雑になっている。
The situation is getting increasingly complicated.
仕事を見つけるのがますます難しくなっている。
It's becoming increasingly difficult to find a job.
The economy is increasingly recovering.
愈々春が来た。
Spring has finally come (increasingly).