進む

• Reading: すすむ
• Romaji: susumu
• Kanji breakdown: 進 (shin/susu) — advance, proceed, progress
• Pronunciation: /sɯ.sɯ.mɯ/

Meaning

To advance; to proceed; to make progress. Describes forward movement or development.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugated with the む row. Intransitive — something advances on its own. Used physically (walking forward), abstractly (work progressing, clock running fast), and for career advancement. The transitive pair is 進める (susumeru).

Examples

1. 道をまっすぐ進んでください。 Please go straight down this road.
2. 日本語の勉強が進んでいます。 My Japanese studies are coming along well.
3. この時計は五分進んでいる。 This clock is five minutes fast.

Usage Guide

Context: directions, work, study

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 進 combines 辵 (movement) and 隹 (bird), depicting a bird moving forward. Conveys the idea of steady forward progress.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal