进一步 (further)

• Pinyin: jìnyībù
• Formation: Subj. + 进一步 + Verb + (Object)
• Hanzi breakdown: 进 = 辶 (walk) + 井 (well), suggesting forward movement; 步 = 止 (stop) + 少 (few), depicting one foot after another

Meaning

Indicates taking something one step further or advancing to a deeper level. It is used before a verb to express progression, deepening, or escalation of an action. Commonly found in both formal and informal contexts.

The adverb 进一步 literally means 'advance one step' and is used to indicate that an action or state is being taken to a deeper, more thorough, or more advanced level. It implies that some groundwork has already been done, and the next action builds upon it. Unlike 更 which simply indicates a higher degree, 进一步 emphasizes the idea of progression and deliberate advancement. This pattern is extremely common in news reports, academic writing, and workplace communication, but also appears naturally in everyday speech. It often collocates with verbs like 了解, 研究, 发展, 加强, and 讨论.

Examples

1. 我们需要进一步了解客户的真实需求。 We need to further understand the real needs of our clients.
2. 双方同意进一步加强在科技领域的合作。 Both sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation in the technology sector.
3. 调查组决定进一步核实相关证据。 The investigation team decided to further verify the relevant evidence.

Usage Guide

Context: written, news, academic, workplace

Tone: progressive

Do Say

• 公司计划进一步扩大海外市场的业务规模。
• 政府将进一步完善社会保障体系。
• 经过初步调查后，警方决定进一步追踪嫌疑人的行踪。

Don't Say

• 他进一步很努力。(进一步 modifies verbs, not adjectives — use 更加 or 越来越 to modify adjectives) → 他更加努力了。
• 她进一步了漂亮。(进一步 cannot take 了 or be used as a verb — it is an adverb that must precede a verb) → 她变得更漂亮了。

Origin & History

Composed of 进 (advance) + 一步 (one step), this compound adverb developed in modern Chinese from the literal meaning of physically taking one more step forward into the figurative sense of making further progress or deepening an effort.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal