徐々に

• Reading: じょじょに
• Romaji: jojoni
• Kanji breakdown: 徐 (jo) — gradually, slowly (repeated for emphasis)
• Pronunciation: /d͡ʑo.d͡ʑo.ni/

Meaning

Gradually; slowly; little by little. Describes a steady, incremental change.

An adverb formed from the reduplicated kanji 徐 (jo, slowly) plus the adverbial particle に. Emphasises that change is happening at a measured pace rather than suddenly. Similar to だんだん but slightly more formal and often used in writing.

Examples

1. 空が徐々に明るくなってきた。 The sky gradually began to brighten.
2. 日本語が徐々に上手になっている。 My Japanese is gradually improving.
3. 体調は徐々に回復している。 My health is recovering little by little.

Usage Guide

Context: description, progress, narrative

Tone: measured

Origin & History

From the reduplicated Sino-Japanese character 徐 (jo, slowly/gently). The kanji combines 彳 (step) and 余 (surplus/leisure), suggesting walking at a leisurely pace with time to spare.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal