進歩
shinpo[ɕĩmpo̞]
The English word 'progress' is translated into Japanese as 進歩 (shinpo).
進歩 refers to the advancement or improvement of something, often describing qualitative progress such as advancements in scientific technology, the development of a field of study or improvements in human skills.
Meaning: advancement to a more developed state (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 進 (shin), meaning 'advance' or 'move forward' and 歩 (po), meaning 'step'.
Which one should you use?
進歩 refers to qualitative advancement or improvement, such as a skill or technology.
How do you pronounce it?
shinpo
Did you know?
- In Japanese, saying someone has made 進歩 can sometimes sound like a teacher praising a student, which can feel condescending if said to a social superior.
- The concept of progress is often linked to the word 改善 (kaizen), a philosophy of continuous small improvements that has become a globally recognized term in business management.
- In Japanese business contexts, 'making progress' on a task is often expressed using the verb 捗る, which focuses on the speed or efficiency of the work being done rather than just the advancement itself.
Examples in context
- 彼女は進歩している。She's making progress.This sentence is useful for describing someone making progress with the form 進歩.Tatoeba #5845226 by joejames, translation #1806239 by Spamster
- 試行錯誤は進歩に不可欠だ。Trial and error is essential to progress.This sentence shows that trial and error is essential to progress using the form 進歩.Tatoeba #151055 by KK_kaku_, translation #263501 by CM
- 彼の進歩ぶりに満足しています。I'm satisfied with his progress.This sentence is useful for expressing satisfaction with someone's progress using the form 進歩.Tatoeba #116791 by bunbuku, translation #286877 by CK
- 社会の進歩は重要です。Progress in society is important.
- 最新の進展を紹介します。Let me introduce the latest progress/development.
- 地域の発展に貢献する。Contribute to the progress of the region.
- 勉強の進みはどうですか？How is your study progress going?
- 自己の進化を感じています。I feel my personal progress/evolution.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Hiroto are discussing their language studies.
- 結衣 Yui最近、勉強の進歩を感じる？Saikin, benkyou no shinpo o kanjiru?Do you feel any progress in your studies lately?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、少しずつ進歩していると思うよ。Un, sukoshizutsu shinpo shite iru to omou yo.Yeah, I think I'm making progress little by little.
- 結衣 Yui大翔くんは本当に努力家だね。Hiroto-kun wa hontou ni doryokuka da ne.You really are a hard worker, Hiroto.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとう。結衣の進歩もすごいよ。Arigatou. Yui no shinpo mo sugoi yo.Thanks. Your progress is amazing too, Yui.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “progress” translations and entries 進歩, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
