逐渐
HSK 5- Time
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The adverb 逐渐 expresses a change that takes place gradually, step by step over time.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
Adverb 逐渐 (zhújiàn) means "gradually" or "step by step." It is used to describe a process of change that occurs slowly, rather than suddenly.
Compared to 渐渐 (jiànjiàn), 逐渐 carries a slightly more formal tone and typically emphasizes change that follows a regular pattern, with each stage being clearly discernible. It often appears in written language or contexts requiring precision.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 天气逐渐变暖了。繁: 天氣逐漸變暖了。Tiānqì zhújiàn biàn nuǎn le.
The weather is gradually becoming warmer.
- 他的汉语水平逐渐提高了。繁: 他的漢語水平逐漸提高了。Tā de Hànyǔ shuǐpíng zhújiàn tígāo le.
His Chinese language proficiency has gradually improved.
- 我逐渐习惯了这里的生活。繁: 我逐漸習慣了這裡的生活。Wǒ zhújiàn xíguàn le zhèlǐ de shēnghuó.
I have gradually become accustomed to life here.
- 天色逐渐暗了下来。繁: 天色逐漸暗了下來。Tiānsè zhújiàn àn le xiàlái.
The sky gradually darkened.
- 观众们逐渐安静下来。繁: 觀眾們逐漸安靜下來。Guānzhòngmen zhújiàn ānjìng xiàlái.
The audience gradually fell silent.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:他的病好了逐渐。Correct:他的病逐渐好了。
The adverb 逐渐 must precede the verb or adjective it modifies and cannot stand at the end of a sentence.
- Wrong:他逐渐跑了。Correct:他慢慢地跑了。
逐渐 is used for changes of state, not to describe an action happening slowly; use 慢慢 for actions.