Meaning of 逐渐
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- gradually
How to use 逐渐
逐渐 is an adverb that goes before the verb or adjective to describe a slow, steady change. It often appears with words like 变 (biàn), 增加 (zēngjiā) or 习惯 (xíguàn). Example: 天气逐渐变冷了。(Tiānqì zhújiàn biàn lěng le.) The weather is gradually getting colder.
逐 (zhú) means to follow or chase one after another, as in 追逐 (zhuīzhú). 渐 (jiàn) means little by little, as in 渐渐 (jiànjiàn). Put them together and you get change that comes one step after another, so gradually.
Common mistake: Learners often write 逐 like 遂 (suì) or 逑 (qiú) because they share the 辶 part. The inside of 逐 is 豕 (shǐ, pig). Also, 逐渐 is not doubled. Do not say 逐逐渐渐 by analogy with 渐渐.
逐渐 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
逐 zhú · to pursue · 10 strokes
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渐 jiàn · gradually · 11 strokes
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Related words
Words that share a character with 逐渐.
| 渐渐 | jiànjiàn | gradually |
| 逐步 | zhúbù | progressively; step by step |
| 追逐 | zhuīzhú | to chase; to pursue vigorously |
| 驱逐 | qūzhú | to expel; to deport |
| 角逐 | juézhú | to tussle; to contend |
| 逐年 | zhúnián | year after year; with each passing year |
| 循序渐进 | xúnxù-jiànjìn | in sequence, step by step (idiom); to make steady progress incrementally |
| 放逐 | fàngzhú | to banish; to deport |
| 逐出 | zhúchū | to expel; to evict |
| 驱逐舰 | qūzhújiàn | destroyer (warship) |
| 驱逐出境 | qūzhúchūjìng | to deport; to expel |
| 日渐 | rìjiàn | to progress (or increase, change etc) day by day; more (or better etc) with each passing d |
Questions about 逐渐
What does 逐渐 mean?
逐渐 (zhújiàn) means "gradually" and is used as a adverb.
How do you write 逐渐?
逐渐 is made of 2 characters: 逐 (10 strokes), 渐 (11 strokes). That is 21 strokes in total.
Is 逐渐 an HSK word?
Yes. 逐渐 is on the HSK 4 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
How is 逐渐 written in traditional Chinese?
In traditional characters, 逐渐 is written 逐漸.
What is the difference between 逐渐 and 渐渐?
Both mean gradually. 渐渐 sounds more natural in casual speech and description. 逐渐 is a bit more formal and common in writing. 渐渐 can also take 地 (de) before the verb, as in 渐渐地明白了.
What is the difference between 逐渐 and 逐步?
逐渐 describes a natural, continuous change, like weather or feelings. 逐步 (zhúbù) stresses deliberate, planned steps, like 逐步推进 (zhúbù tuījìn), to advance step by step. You would say 天逐渐黑了, not 天逐步黑了.