徐々に
jojo ni
The English phrase "gradually" can be translated into Japanese using several different forms. If unsure, use 徐々に (jojo ni). Wiktionary also lists 段々と (dandan to) and 次第に (shidai ni).
Meaning: in gradual manner (adv)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 徐々に | jojo ni | |
| 段々と | dandan to | |
| 次第に | shidai ni | [ɕida̠i ɲ̟i] (narrow) |
Which one should you use?
徐々に is the most common, neutral way to express a gradual change in a physical or measurable state. 次第に is more formal and is often used in written reports or news to describe a progression of events or trends. 段々と is more colloquial and often implies a noticeable, step-by-step change in a situation or environment.
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms 徐々に, 次第に and 段々と all function as adverbs and typically precede a verb to describe the manner of the action.
How do you pronounce it?
jojo ni
Did you know?
- The word 次第 can also be used as a grammar point meaning 'as soon as', such as saying 'as soon as I arrive'.
- Japanese has a specific term 徐々に for gradual change, but for 'little by little' in a more tedious or painstaking way, speakers might use ちびちび, which mimics the sound of sipping a drink.
- The word 段々と comes from 段, which means 'stairs' or 'steps'. It evokes the image of climbing a staircase one step at a time rather than a smooth slope.
Examples in context
- 風は次第におさまった。The wind gradually died down.This sentence shows how to use 次第に to describe the wind dying down.Tatoeba #84009 by bunbuku, translation #319706 by CM
- 彼女は徐々に回復してるよ。She is gradually recovering.This sentence uses 徐々に to describe a person's recovery.Tatoeba #9974831 by small_snow, translation #9974817 by AlanF_US
- バスは徐々にスピードを上げた。The bus picked up the speed gradually.This sentence uses 徐々に to describe a vehicle's speed increasing.Tatoeba #198108 by KK_kaku_, translation #35299 by mcq
- 彼の健康は徐々に回復しています。His health is gradually improving.
- 重要な情報は次第に公開されます。Important information will gradually be released.
- 毎日、少しずつ日本語が上達している。Every day, my Japanese is gradually improving.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two siblings are talking about a plant growing in their room.
- 陽葵 Himariこの植物、徐々に大きくなってるね。Kono shokubutsu, jojo ni ookiku natteru ne.This plant is gradually getting bigger, isn't it?
- 陽太 Yota本当だ、葉っぱも増えてきたよ。Honto da, happa mo fuete kita yo.You're right, the leaves have increased too.
- 陽葵 Himari毎日、成長が楽しみだね。Mainichi, seichou ga tanoshimi da ne.I look forward to its growth every day.
- 陽太 Yota大切に育てようね。Taisetsu ni sodateyou ne.Let's take good care of it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gradually” translations and entries 次第に, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
