逐渐

• Pinyin: zhú jiàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 逐 = 辶(walk) + 豕 (pig), to follow; 渐 = 氵(water) + 斩 (cut), water seeping through bit by bit

Meaning

Gradually; little by little; progressively. Describes a smooth, continuous change over time.

Emphasises a slow, steady, and continuous change rather than abrupt shifts. Often modifies verbs of change: 逐渐增加 (gradually increase), 逐渐习惯 (gradually get used to), 逐渐消失 (gradually disappear). Used across all registers of speech and writing.

Examples

1. 天气逐渐变暖，街上的行人也多了起来。 The weather is gradually warming up, and there are more pedestrians on the street.
2. 他搬到新城市后，逐渐习惯了当地的生活节奏。 After moving to the new city, he gradually got used to the local pace of life.
3. 随着时间的推移，两人之间的隔阂逐渐消失了。 As time passed, the distance between the two of them gradually disappeared.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, writing, science

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他的伤口正在逐渐愈合，情况比以前好多了。(His wound is gradually healing — things are much better than before.)
• 人们对健康饮食的意识逐渐增强。(People's awareness of healthy eating is gradually increasing.)

Don't Say

• 把'逐渐'用于描述突然或迅速发生的变化 (Don't use 逐渐 to describe sudden or rapid changes — it specifically implies a slow, steady process; use 突然 or 迅速 for quick changes)

Origin & History

From 逐 (to follow/pursue) and 渐 (gradual, 氵water + 斩 to cut — water seeping through little by little), together meaning 'to follow along, seeping forward gradually'.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal