Japanese word

徐々に

Pronunciation

Romajijojoni

Meaning

  • adverbgradually

Example

春になると、徐々に暖かくなります。haru ni na ru to jo jo ni atata ka ku na ri ma su

It gradually gets warmer in spring.

Illustration for 徐々に (gradually)

More examples

練習を重ねると、徐々に自信がつきます。ren shū o kasa ne ru to jo jo ni ji shin ga tsu ki ma su

As you practice more, you gradually gain confidence.

Core concept

Describes a change that unfolds in small steps over time rather than happening all at once.

Common phrases

  • 徐々に増えるjo jo ni fu e ru

    gradually increase

  • 徐々に減るjo jo ni he ru

    gradually decrease

  • 徐々に変わるjo jo ni ka wa ru

    gradually change

Similar words

次第にshidaini: Describes a state that develops progressively as time passes.
だんだんdandan: Describes a change that develops progressively in ordinary conversation.
少しずつsukoshizutsu: Describes a change that occurs in small amounts or increments.

Definition in Japanese

変化や進行が一度にではなく、少しずつ進むさま。hen ka ya shin kō ga ichi do ni de wa na ku suko shi zu tsu susu mu sa ma

Word origin

徐々に (jojo ni, "gradually") is formed by repeating 徐 (jo, "slowly") and adding に (ni) to make the expression adverbial.

Usage tips

  • Gradually describes the pace of a change, whereas eventually describes the point at which a result is reached.

Other meanings

  • little by littleadverb
  • steadilyadverb

Opposites

  • 一気にikkiniall at onceadverb

Word lists with this word