漸次

• Reading: ぜんじ
• Romaji: zenji
• Kanji breakdown: 漸 (zen) — gradual, incremental; 次 (ji) — next, in sequence
• Pronunciation: /ze.ɴ.dʑi/

Meaning

Gradually; progressively; step by step. Moving forward in small, steady increments.

A formal adverb used in written and official language to describe a process that advances bit by bit over time. More literary and precise than 徐々に or だんだん, with a slightly stronger implication of deliberate, incremental progression. Common in policy documents, academic writing, and formal reports.

Examples

1. 景気は漸次回復の兆しを見せているが、依然として先行きは不透明だ。 The economy is showing gradual signs of recovery, but the outlook remains uncertain.
2. 新制度の導入は漸次進めていく方針で、急激な変化は避ける予定だ。 The policy is to introduce the new system progressively, avoiding any sudden changes.
3. 患者の状態は漸次改善しており、退院も近いとのことだった。 The patient's condition has been improving steadily, and discharge is said to be imminent.

Usage Guide

Context: policy, economics, medicine, academia

Tone: measured

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound: 漸 (zen) means gradual or incremental, 次 (ji) means next or in order. Together: 'proceeding in order, step by step.'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: Universal