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.
会社は着々と成長している。
The company is growing steadily.
彼女は私をじっと見た。
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.
準備は着々と進んでいます。
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.
人気がじわじわ上がっている。
Its popularity is steadily rising.
痛みがじわじわと広がった。
The pain steadily spread.
Means 'gradually' or 'little by little'. Neutral and widely used for slow, steady change.
徐々に回復している。
He is steadily recovering.
Onomatopoeia for steady, diligent effort, often over a long period. Implies perseverance.
彼はコツコツと貯金している。
He is steadily saving money.
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).
彼女は私の目をじっと見つめた。
She gazed steadily into my eyes.
子供はじっと座っていた。
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.
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.
彼は絶えず勉強している。
He studies steadily without a break.
水が絶えず流れている。
Water is flowing steadily.
Literally 'without resting', used for working or moving steadily without pause.
彼は休まずに働いた。
He worked steadily without a break.
Moving or standing in a stable, unwavering manner.
Used for machines, systems, or physical states that are stable and steady. Often in technical contexts.
エンジンが安定して動いている。
The engine is running steadily.
Emphasizes firmness or steadiness in physical actions like standing or holding.
しっかりと立ってください。
Please stand steadily.
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.
売上が着々と伸びている。
Sales are growing steadily (as planned).
不安がじわじわと募る。
Anxiety steadily builds up.
徐々に明るくなってきた。
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.
ロープをしっかり握ってください。
Please hold the rope steadily.