進歩

• Reading: しんぽ
• Romaji: shinpo
• Kanji breakdown: 進 (shin) — to advance, proceed; 歩 (po/ho) — to walk, step
• Pronunciation: /ɕiɴ.po/

Meaning

Progress; improvement; development. Moving forward toward a better state.

A suru-verb (進歩する) used for advancement in technology, society, skills, or knowledge. An intransitive verb — the subject itself progresses. Often used in contexts of scientific or social development, and personal growth.

Examples

1. 医療技術は近年大きく進歩した。 Medical technology has made great progress in recent years.
2. 毎日少しずつでも進歩することが大切だ。 It's important to make a little progress every day.
3. この国は経済の面で著しい進歩を遂げた。 This country has achieved remarkable progress in its economy.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, education, society

Tone: positive

Origin & History

Compound of 進 (shin, to advance/proceed) and 歩 (po, to walk/step). Literally 'advancing steps' — making forward progress one step at a time.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal