Japanese word

着々

Pronunciation

Romajichakuchaku

Meaning

  • adverbsteadily

Example

計画は着々と進んでいます。kei kaku wa chaku chaku to susu n de i ma su

The plan is moving forward steadily.

Illustration for 着々 (steadily)

More examples

試験に合格するための準備を着々と進めています。shi ken ni gō kaku su ru ta me no jun bi o chaku chaku to susu me te i ma su

I am steadily preparing to pass the exam.

Core concept

It conveys steady advancement through successive stages toward a planned result.

Common phrases

  • 着々と進むchaku chaku to susu mu

    move forward steadily

  • 着々と進めるchaku chaku to susu me ru

    advance steadily

  • 着々と準備を進めるchaku chaku to jun bi o susu me ru

    proceed steadily with preparations

Similar words

徐々にjojoni: It describes change that happens gradually in small amounts over time.
次第にshidaini: It describes a change that develops gradually as time passes.
順次junji: It describes actions or stages that proceed one after another in an ordered sequence.

Definition in Japanese

計画や仕事などが、段階を追って順調に進むさま。kei kaku ya shi goto na do ga dan kai o o tte jun chō ni susu mu sa ma

Word origin

The adverb 着々 (chakuchaku) is formed by repeating the Sino-Japanese element 着 (chaku, "arrival or completion"), linking progress with reaching stages one by one.

Usage tips

  • In formal reports and news, 着々 (chakuchaku) often describes preparations or plans that are advancing as scheduled, rather than sudden progress.

Opposites

  • 遅々chichislowlyadverb

Word lists with this word