刻々
Meanings
1
adverb, adverb taking the 'to' particle
moment by moment; hour by hour; with each passing moment
Describes a situation that changes or progresses continuously, often with a sense of urgency or steady advance. Commonly used with verbs of change, approach, or deterioration.
The typhoon is approaching moment by moment.
The situation is changing with each passing moment.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉が刻々と変化するfor something to change moment by moment
The typhoon's path is changing moment by moment.
- 〈事〉が刻々と迫るfor something (a deadline, danger, etc.) to draw ever closer
The day of the exam was drawing closer and closer.
- 状況が刻々と悪化するfor a situation to worsen with each passing moment
The situation on the ground is deteriorating by the minute.
- 刻々と伝わるto be relayed/updated continuously (news, information)
Updates on the accident kept coming in moment by moment.