徐
gradually, slowly, deliberately, gently
Readings
On'yomi
- ジョ
Kun'yomi
- おもむ.ろに
Meaning
徐 centers on unhurried, measured movement or action: doing something gradually, slowly, deliberately, or gently without rushing.
Most common words using 徐
- 徐々にじょじょにN3
gradually; steadily; slowly; little by little; step by step; by degrees
- 徐におもむろにN1
suddenly; abruptly
- 徐行じょこうN1
going slowly (esp. to enable a vehicle to stop immediately); going at a reduced speed; slowing down; reducing speed
- 徐々じょじょN3
slow; gradual; steady
- 徐冷じょれい
annealing; slow cooling
- 徐歩じょほ
walking slowly
- 徐波睡眠じょはすいみん
non-REM sleep
- 徐脈じょみゃく
bradycardia; infrequent pulse
- 徐行運転じょこううんてん
driving at reduced speed; running at reduced speed (e.g. train)
- 最徐行さいじょこう
going at a very slow speed
- 緩徐かんじょ
gentle and quiet
- 緩徐曲かんじょきょく
adagio
Study
Etymology
徐 combines 彳 (movement, going) with 余, which likely contributes the sound and may suggest a relaxed, unhurried quality. The exact historical role of 余 is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 彳 suggests walking or moving, and the right side 余 looks like a relaxed person under a roof. Picture someone strolling slowly and deliberately, taking their time.
Reading mnemonic
For ジョ, imagine a slow, gentle Joe who never rushes: Joe -> ジョ, and he walks gradually along the path.