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.
His health is increasingly deteriorating.
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.
My Japanese is getting increasingly better.
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.
This winter is increasingly severe.
A common pattern combining ますます with になる (to become) to express 'becoming increasingly ...'.
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.
It's getting increasingly dark.
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.
He increasingly stopped talking.
Can mean 'more and more' with a sense of impending climax or finality, often used in dramatic or negative contexts.
Formal or literary ways to express 'increasingly'.
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.
It's getting increasingly cold.
It's getting colder and colder rapidly.
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.
She is becoming increasingly confident.
The situation is getting increasingly complicated.
It's becoming increasingly difficult to find a job.
The economy is increasingly recovering.
いよいよ追い詰められてきた。
We are increasingly cornered.
愈々春が来た。
Spring has finally come (increasingly).