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渐 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
渐jiānto imbued, 11 strokes, radical 氵, rank #10322, Hard
渐jiāngraduald, 11 strokes, radical 氵, rank #10322, Hard
渐jiāngraduallyd, 11 strokes, radical 氵, rank #10322, Hard
渐jiànto imbued, 11 strokes, radical 氵, rank #10322, Hard
渐jiàngraduald, 11 strokes, radical 氵, rank #10322, Hard
渐jiàngraduallyd, 11 strokes, radical 氵, rank #10322, Hard
jiān(jian1)
primary
 T1
  1. 1to imbue
  2. 2gradual
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
渐(漸)jiān(jian1)

渐 (jiān) refers to a gradual change or process. It is commonly used to describe a slow progression or development, such as '渐渐' (jiànjiàn) meaning 'gradually.' This term is often used in both written and spoken language to indicate that something is happening incrementally over time.

Strokes11Radical氵Frequency#10322DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese philosophy, the concept of gradual change is significant, often reflected in traditional teachings about patience and persistence. This idea is echoed in various cultural practices, including the slow development of art forms like calligraphy.

Memory Tip

Imagine a gentle stream (渐) that flows slowly, representing the gradual change. The character consists of water (氵) on the left, suggesting fluidity and continuity, while the right side indicates a gradual, softening movement. Picture a stream gradually eroding the land around it.

Meanings of 渐

jiān(jian1)
primary
1to imbue
2gradual
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 渐

渐Simplified
漸Traditional
11Strokes
氵Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#10322Frequency Rank

Podcast: 渐

JasonAmy

Podcast: 渐

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 渐

Quick Contrast

渐 (jiān) vs 逐 (zhú) — use 渐 for gradual changes over time, while 逐 emphasizes a more step-by-step progression.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a gentle stream (渐) that flows slowly, representing the gradual change. The character consists of water (氵) on the left, suggesting fluidity and continuity, while the right side indicates a gradual, softening movement. Picture a stream gradually eroding the land around it.

Usage Notes

Be mindful of using 渐 in the right context; it is often paired with adverbs like '渐渐' (gradually) or '逐渐' (step by step). Avoid using it in overly formal situations where more direct language may be preferred. Remember to pronounce it with the correct tone, as mispronunciation can lead to confusion.

HSK Study Tips

While 渐 is not listed in the HSK levels, it connects well with vocabulary around change and progression, such as '变化' (biànhuà - change) or '慢慢' (mànmàn - slowly). Focus on how 渐 can be used in conjunction with these words to describe processes.

Cultural Note

In Chinese philosophy, the concept of gradual change is significant, often reflected in traditional teachings about patience and persistence. This idea is echoed in various cultural practices, including the slow development of art forms like calligraphy.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 渐 with 急 (jí - urgent), using it in contexts that require immediacy. For example, saying '我渐要完成这个项目' (I am gradually going to complete this project) instead of '我急着完成这个项目' (I am urgently completing this project) can mislead the listener.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 渐

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Etymology of 渐

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 斩 represents the sound. Simplified form of 漸.

Memory Hint

water

Semantic (meaning)氵
+
Phonetic (sound)斩
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 渐?

Decomposition of 渐

IDS Structure⿰氵斩
渐Full Character
=
氵shui3
left
斩zhan3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 渐?

Write 渐

渐

Practice writing 渐 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 渐

渐 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Related grammar lessons5
Exercise 1 of 3

Complete the Sentence

天气____渐暖和起来了。

The weather has gradually started to warm up.

Common Confusions with 渐

渐vs见
jiàn

Similar pronunciation but different meaning

Exercise 1 of 1

Spot the Difference

Which character means "to imbue"?

or

Usage Notes for 渐

Misuse of 渐Common Error

Learners often confuse 渐 with other characters that denote gradual changes, such as 渐渐 (jiànjiàn). It's important to use 渐 in the correct context.

1

水温渐升。

The water temperature gradually rises.

Exercise 1 of 1

Fill in the Blank

水温____升。

The water temperature gradually rises.

Example Sentences for 渐 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
如果你一直在服用这些药，停药时一定要逐渐停。

rú guǒ nǐ yī zhí zài fú yòng zhè xiē yào， ， tíng yào shí yī dìng yào zhú jiàn。

If you take these drugs continuously, withdrawal must be tapered.
2
结婚16年后，他们已经渐渐彼此厌倦了。

jié hūn16 16 nián， hòu ， tā mén yǐ jīng jiàn jiàn bǐ cǐ yàn。

After sixteen years of marriage they have grown bored with each other.
3
一场短时强阵雨后风势渐长。

yī cháng duǎn shí qiáng zhèn yǔ hòu fēng shì jiàn cháng。

There was a short sharp shower followed by a strengthening breeze.
4
灯塔的光束在渐浓的暮色中清晰可见。

dēng tǎ de guāng shù zài jiàn nóng de mù sè zhōng qīng xī kě jiàn。

The lighthouse beam was quite distinct in the gathering dusk.
5
6个月后，约翰已经渐渐能够识字和算数，也有了自信。

6 6 gè yuè， hòu ， yuē hàn yǐ jīng jiàn jiàn néng gòu shí zì hé， suàn shù ， yě yǒu。

Six months later John had developed literacy and numeracy skills, plus confidence.
6
这些药的效果起初非常好,但后来逐渐失效.

zhè xiē yào de xiào guǒ qǐ chū fēi cháng hǎo, , dàn hòu lái zhú jiàn shī.

The drugs work well at first but gradually lose their effectiveness.
7
铺好的宽阔道路渐渐变窄,成了一条崎岖不平的小径.

pū hǎo de kuān kuò dào lù jiàn jiàn biàn zhǎi, , chéng le yī tiáo qí qū bù píng de xiǎo.

The wide paved road degenerated into a narrow bumpy track.
8
鲁宾逊咖啡屋里的人正在变少，但也只是渐少而已。

lǔ bīn xùn kā fēi wū lǐ de rén zhèng zài biàn shǎo， ， dàn yě zhī shì jiàn shǎo ér。

The crowd in Robinson's Coffee-House was thinning, but only by degrees.
9
眼见自己的身体日渐衰弱真是让人心烦。

yǎn jiàn zì jǐ de shēn tǐ rì jiàn shuāi ruò zhēn shì ràng rén xīn fán。

To see my body literally wither away before my eyes was exasperating.
10
浅滩上的潮水逐渐退去。

qiǎn tān shàng de cháo shuǐ zhú jiàn tuì qù。

The tidal stream or current gradually decreases in the shallows.

Cultural Notes for 渐

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese philosophy, the concept of gradual change is significant, often reflected in traditional teachings about patience and persistence. This idea is echoed in various cultural practices, including the slow development of art forms like calligraphy.

Word Family of 渐

Words Containing This Character11
逐渐zhújiàngradually逐漸
渐渐jiànjiàngradually漸漸
渐jiāngradual漸
日渐more (or better etc) with each passing day日漸
循序渐进xúnxùjiànjìnin sequence, step by step (idiom); to make steady progress incrementally循序漸進
渐进gradual progress漸進
渐变gradual change漸變
防微杜渐to nip in the bud (idiom)防微杜漸
渐次gradually漸次
渐新世Oligocene (geological epoch from 34m-24m years ago)漸新世
渐新统Oligocene system (geology)漸新統
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 逐渐 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 渐

It means 'gradually' or 'to imbue,' often used to describe processes that take time.