Translation guide
The English adverb 'steadily' describes an action or process that continues in a regular, constant, or unwavering manner. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the best choice depends on whether you mean gradual progress, unwavering focus, continuous effort, or physical stability.
The company is growing steadily.
She looked at me steadily.
Describing something that increases, improves, or moves forward little by little without stopping.
Used for steady progress toward a goal, often in formal or business contexts. Implies step-by-step advancement.
Preparations are progressing steadily.
He is steadily climbing the career ladder.
Onomatopoeic adverb for slow but steady change, often used for gradual increases, spreading, or approaching. Slightly informal.
Means 'gradually' or 'little by little'. Neutral and widely used for slow, steady change.
Onomatopoeia for steady, diligent effort, often over a long period. Implies perseverance.
Looking at something without looking away, or doing something with fixed attention.
For staring steadily, remaining motionless, or enduring patiently. Often used with verbs like 見る (to look) or 耐える (to endure).
Doing something without interruption or change, often with determination.
Means 'constantly' or 'incessantly'. Used for actions that continue without stopping, often with a sense of steady flow.
Moving or standing in a stable, unwavering manner.
Used for machines, systems, or physical states that are stable and steady. Often in technical contexts.
着々と implies planned, step-by-step progress (often positive). じわじわ suggests a slow but persistent change, sometimes with a nuance of something creeping up. 徐々に is a neutral 'gradually' and can be used in most contexts.
Sales are growing steadily (as planned).
He steadily improved his skills.
For gradual, step-by-step improvement.
人気がじわじわ上がっている。
Its popularity is steadily rising.
The pain steadily spread.
徐々に回復している。
He is steadily recovering.
彼はコツコツと貯金している。
He is steadily saving money.
She gazed steadily into my eyes.
The child sat steadily without moving.
Can mean 'firmly' or 'steadily' when referring to holding something or maintaining a state. Also used for mental steadiness.
Please hold the rope steadily.
He studies steadily without a break.
Water is flowing steadily.
Literally 'without resting', used for working or moving steadily without pause.
He worked steadily without a break.
The engine is running steadily.
Emphasizes firmness or steadiness in physical actions like standing or holding.
Please stand steadily.
Anxiety steadily builds up.
It's steadily getting lighter.
There is no single Japanese adverb that covers all uses of 'steadily'. Translating it as 着実に (chakujitsu ni) is possible but often too formal. Choose based on the specific nuance: gradual progress, unwavering focus, or continuous action.
一日中絶えず雨が降った。
The rain fell steadily all day.
For continuous, uninterrupted action.