逐步

• Pinyin: zhú bù
• Hanzi breakdown: 逐 = 辶(walk radical) + 豕 (pig), to follow/chase after; 步 = 止 (foot) + 少, a step or pace

Meaning

Step by step; gradually; in stages. Describes a process that advances in clear, incremental steps.

Implies a deliberate, orderly progression. Slightly more emphatic on the 'by steps' aspect than 逐渐. Often used with 实现 (to achieve), 推进 (to advance), or 提高 (to improve): 逐步提高 (gradually raise), 逐步实现 (achieve step by step). Common in formal and planning language.

Examples

1. 公司计划在三年内逐步扩大在亚洲市场的份额。 The company plans to gradually expand its market share in Asia over three years.
2. 新政策将逐步推行，不会一次性全面实施。 The new policy will be rolled out in stages and will not be implemented all at once.
3. 她的中文水平通过坚持不懈的努力逐步得到了提高。 Her Mandarin proficiency has gradually improved through persistent effort.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, planning, academic

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 改革需要逐步推进，不可操之过急。(Reform needs to be advanced step by step — you shouldn't rush it.)
• 他的身体正在逐步恢复，医生说再过两周就可以出院了。(His health is recovering step by step — the doctor says he can be discharged in two more weeks.)

Don't Say

• 把'逐步'和'逐渐'完全互换 (While 逐步 and 逐渐 are similar, 逐步 emphasises discrete stages of progress, while 逐渐 emphasises smooth, continuous gradual change — they are not always interchangeable)

Origin & History

From 逐 (to follow/chase, 辶 walk + 豕 pig — to pursue) and 步 (step/pace, 止 foot + 少), together meaning 'to advance one step at a time in pursuit of a goal'.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal