進歩
shinpo[ɕĩmpo̞]
進歩 (shinpo) is the Japanese word for advancement.
進歩 refers to progress and development. It is a neutral term used to describe advancement in areas such as a field of study, technology or a specific skill.
Meaning: act of advancing (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 進, which means to advance or proceed and 歩, which means a step or walk.
Which one should you use?
While 進歩 is used for progress in skills or technology, it is not used to describe physical movement forward through space. For professional advancement such as a job promotion, use 昇進. For the growth and development of a field or technology, use 発展.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the noun as a verb meaning 'to progress' or 'to advance', add the verb する to the noun to form 進歩する.
How do you pronounce it?
shinpo
Did you know?
- When talking about the 'advancement' of a story or plot, Japanese speakers use 展開, which means 'unfolding'. They view a plot as something that opens up like a fan rather than something that moves forward like a step.
- The kanji 進 in 進歩 is also found in the word 進撃, which means 'an onslaught' or 'charge'. This gives the root of 'advancement' a more aggressive or military connotation in other contexts.
- While 進歩 describes progress, the word for 'evolution' also uses the character for 'advance' 進, appearing in the term 進化. This links the idea of biological evolution directly to the act of stepping forward.
Examples in context
- 科学の進歩は私たちの生活に素晴らしい変化をもたらします。Advancements in science bring marvelous changes to our lives.
- 彼女は優れた業績により昇進しました。She was promoted due to her outstanding performance.
- この地域は観光業による経済の発展が見られます。This region demonstrates economic advancement through the tourism industry.
- ゲームの進化で新しいレベルに到達しました。I reached a new level due to the advancement in the game.
- 自分の夢に向かって前進し続けましょう。Let's keep advancing towards our dreams.
- 科学の進歩には驚かされる。kagaku no shinpo ni wa odorokasareru.I am amazed by the advancement of science.
- 技術の進歩はとても速い。gijutsu no shinpo wa totemo hayai.The advancement of technology is very fast.
- 医学の進歩が多くの命を救った。igaku no shinpo ga ooku no inochi o sukutta.The advancement of medicine saved many lives.
Example conversation
A brother and sister are talking about a news report on a tablet.
- 陽太 YotaAIの進歩がすごいね。AI no shinpo ga sugoi ne.The advancement of AI is amazing, isn't it?
- 陽葵 Himari本当、便利になりそうだね。Hontou, benri ni narisou da ne.True, it looks like it will become very convenient.
- 陽太 Yota未来がとても楽しみだよ。Mirai ga totemo tanoshimi da yo.I'm really looking forward to the future.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太くんの言う通りだね。Youta-kun no iu toori da ne.It's just as you say, Youta.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 進歩, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
