Translation guide
Expressing the idea of moving forward, advancing, or improving in a task, project, or personal development.
To say that a task, project, or work is advancing or getting closer to completion.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to advance' or 'to make progress'. Used for things moving forward on their own, like work or preparations.
仕事が順調に進んでいます。
Work is progressing smoothly.
準備はだいぶ進みました。
Preparations have made considerable progress.
Transitive verb meaning 'to advance something' or 'to make progress on something'. Use when someone is actively pushing a task forward.
プロジェクトを進めています。
We are making progress on the project.
話し合いを進めましょう。
Let's move the discussion forward.
Intransitive verb meaning work progresses smoothly and efficiently, often with a sense of good pace. Commonly used for tasks like studying or chores.
今日は仕事がはかどった。
I made good progress on my work today.
静かな場所だと勉強がはかどります。
Studying progresses well in a quiet place.
Slightly formal, meaning 'to advance' or 'to make headway'. Often used in business or project contexts.
交渉は前進しています。
Negotiations are making progress.
To express that someone is getting better at something, improving their abilities, or developing personally.
Means to improve in a skill, such as language, sports, or music. Focuses on the person's ability getting better.
日本語が上達しました。
My Japanese has improved.
練習すれば必ず上達します。
If you practice, you will definitely improve.
Means 'to progress' or 'to advance', often used for personal growth or gradual improvement. Slightly formal.
彼は英語が進歩した。
He has made progress in English.
Means 'to grow' or 'to develop' as a person. Broader than just skill, includes maturity and character.
この経験で大きく成長した。
I grew a lot through this experience.
To describe literal or figurative forward movement, such as walking, driving, or advancing in a process.
Means 'to go ahead' or 'to proceed'. Can be physical movement or moving on to the next step.
先に進んでください。
Please go ahead.
議論が先に進まない。
The discussion isn't moving forward.
Literally 'to move forward'. Often used metaphorically for life or career progress.
人生は前に進むしかない。
You just have to move forward in life.
To emphasize that progress is being made even when it's slow or challenging.
Means 'to progress little by little'. Emphasizes gradual but steady advancement.
少しずつですが、進んでいます。
It's slow, but we are making progress.
Means 'to progress steadily'. Conveys reliability and consistent effort.
計画は着実に進んでいる。
The plan is progressing steadily.
The phrase 'make progress' cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. Instead, use verbs like 進む (susumu) or 進める (susumeru) depending on transitivity.
進歩を作る (incorrect)
Do not say 'shinpo wo tsukuru'.
進む (susumu) is intransitive: the subject itself advances. 進める (susumeru) is transitive: someone advances something. Choose based on whether the progress is happening by itself or is being driven by a person.