渐渐
HSK 5- Time
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The adverb 渐渐 expresses a change that occurs slowly, little by little over time.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
The adverb 渐渐 (jiànjiàn) means "gradually" or "little by little." It is used to describe a change or process that does not happen immediately, but unfolds bit by bit over time.
渐渐 typically appears before a verb or adjective to emphasize this gradual transformation. It makes sentences sound more natural when describing processes such as changing weather, a person growing up, or shifting emotions.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 天气渐渐变冷了。繁: 天氣漸漸變冷了。Tiānqì jiànjiàn biàn lěng le.
The weather is gradually becoming cold.
- 孩子渐渐长大了。繁: 孩子漸漸長大了。Háizi jiànjiàn zhǎng dà le.
The child gradually grew up.
- 我渐渐明白了你的意思。繁: 我漸漸明白了你的意思。Wǒ jiànjiàn míngbai le nǐ de yìsi.
I gradually understood what you meant.
- 他渐渐习惯了这里的生活。繁: 他漸漸習慣了這裡的生活。Tā jiànjiàn xíguàn le zhèlǐ de shēnghuó.
He gradually became accustomed to life here.
- 天色渐渐暗了下来。繁: 天色漸漸暗了下來。Tiānsè jiànjiàn àn le xiàlái.
The sky gradually grew dark.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:天气变冷了渐渐。Correct:天气渐渐变冷了。
渐渐 is an adverb and must come before the verb or adjective it modifies; it cannot stand at the end of the sentence.
- Wrong:你渐渐说，我听不懂。Correct:你慢慢说，我听不懂。
渐渐 indicates gradual change over time and cannot be used to request someone to do something slowly; 慢慢 must be used instead.