How to Say "Little by Little" in Japanese

少しずつ

sukoshizutsu[sɨ̥ko̞ɕizɨt͡sɨ]

The English phrase "little by little" is translated into Japanese as 少しずつ (sukoshizutsu).

少しずつ is used to describe something that happens gradually or in small stages over time.

How does it change in a sentence?

The particle ずつ is used to indicate that an action or change is distributed in small, repeated increments.

sukoshizutsu

In Japanese culture, the concept of 改善 (kaizen) refers to 'continuous improvement' and is often practiced by making changes 少しずつ to achieve a perfect result.
If you wanted to say 'little by little' with much greater emphasis on the smallness, you could use ちょびちょび (chobichobi), a more colloquial and rhythmic expression.
The particle ずつ can be attached to any unit of measurement, such as 'one by one' or 'every five minutes', making it a versatile tool for precision.

少しずつでも絶対に良くなってる。
Even if it's little by little, it's certainly improving.
This sentence is useful for expressing that improvement is occurring even if it is done little by little.
Tatoeba #11045270 by KK_kaku_, translation #12018731 by Winter
トムの日本語は少しずつ進歩している。
Tom's Japanese is improving little by little.
This sentence uses 少しずつ to describe how someone's language skills are improving.
Tatoeba #200148 by bunbuku, translation #37349 by CK
少しずつ改善していけば大きな武器になる。
If we improve it little by little, it will become a great weapon.
This sentence shows how improving something little by little can lead to a significant advantage.
Tatoeba #11027979 by KK_kaku_, translation #12017846 by Winter
彼女の英語の能力は徐々に向上しています。
Her English skills are gradually improving.
私たちは少しずつ計画を進めています。
We are moving forward with the plan little by little.
毎日少しずつ運動することが重要です。
It is important to exercise a little bit every day.
2 more sentences on Tatoeba

Two friends are talking about a new hobby while walking in a park.

陽葵 Himari

絵を描き始めたの？
e o kakihajimeta no?
Did you start drawing?
大翔 Hiroto

うん、少しずつ上手くなりたいんだ。
un, sukoshizutsu umaku naritai nda.
Yeah, I want to get better little by little.
陽葵 Himari

大翔くんの絵、楽しみにしてるね。
Hiroto-kun no e, tanoshimi ni shiteru ne.
I'm looking forward to seeing your drawings, Hiroto.
大翔 Hiroto

ありがとう、頑張るよ。
arigatou, ganbaru yo.
Thanks, I'll do my best.

Sources

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