adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle
Describes a slow, steady progression or change over time. Often used with verbs like 進む, 増える, or 回復する.
The economy is gradually recovering.
I'm starting to understand Japanese little by little.
Indicates that something will happen in the near future, often with a sense of inevitability or natural progression. Common in casual speech.
Shall we get going soon?
He should be coming before long.
adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle
Describes things appearing or existing in a sparse, dotted pattern. Can be used with と (ぼつぼつと) for a more vivid, mimetic effect.
Stars began to appear here and there in the sky.
There are spots scattered on the wall.
Noun usage referring to small, dot-like marks or blemishes on a surface or skin. Often used for skin conditions like pimples or a rash.
I got pimples on my face.
This cloth has dots on it.
Customers have gradually been increasing.
Shall we head home soon?
Flowers are blooming here and there in the field.
I got a bunch of pimples on my face.
ちらほら describes things appearing sparsely and intermittently, similar to ぼつぼつ's 'here and there' sense, but ちらほら is more common in casual speech about sightings.
徐々に is a more formal, written way to say 'gradually', whereas ぼつぼつ is casual and conversational.
Standard kana spelling for this onomatopoeic word; no kanji form exists.
Onomatopoeic word derived from the reduplication of ぼつ, which mimics the sound or image of small dots or things appearing sparsely. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is a native mimetic expression.