Meanings of 漸
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 漸
Podcast: 漸
Podcast: 漸
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 漸
渐 (jiàn) vs 缓 (huǎn): Use 漸 when emphasizing a gradual progression, while 缓 implies a slower pace or delay.
Be mindful of the context in which you use 漸, as it is more appropriate in written or formal settings. Common collocations include 漸漸 (gradually) and 漸入佳境 (gradually entering a good situation). Avoid using it in overly casual conversations.
Though 漸 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary list, it is relevant for learners at HSK 4 and above due to its usage in more complex sentences. Students should focus on recognizing it in reading materials and practicing its use in context.
Learners often confuse 漸 with the more casual term 慢慢 (mànmàn), which means 'slowly' without the implication of a gradual process. It's important to use 漸 when emphasizing gradual change, such as in '他漸漸明白了' (He gradually understood).
Pronunciation of 漸
Drill the tone of 漸 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 漸
Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 斩 represents the sound. Simplified form of 漸.
water
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 漸
Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 斩 represents the sound. Simplified form of 漸.
- 1The meaning half氵 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half斬 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaywater
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 漸? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 漸?
Decomposition of 漸
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 漸?
How to say gradually in Chinese
“gradually” in Chinese is漸
The character 漸 (jiàn) means 'gradually' or 'slowly'. It conveys a sense of progression over time, often used in contexts where a change occurs step by step rather than all at once. Common phrases include 漸漸 (jiànjiàn), meaning 'gradually' or 'little by little'.
When to use 漸
Be mindful of the context in which you use 漸, as it is more appropriate in written or formal settings. Common collocations include 漸漸 (gradually) and 漸入佳境 (gradually entering a good situation). Avoid using it in overly casual conversations.
漸 or something close to it
渐 (jiàn) vs 缓 (huǎn): Use 漸 when emphasizing a gradual progression, while 缓 implies a slower pace or delay.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 漸 with the more casual term 慢慢 (mànmàn), which means 'slowly' without the implication of a gradual process. It's important to use 漸 when emphasizing gradual change, such as in '他漸漸明白了' (He gradually understood).
Write 漸
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 漸 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 漸
Compound Meaning
What does 逐渐 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 漸
You can say, '他漸漸適應了新的環境' (Tā jiànjiàn shìyìngle xīn de huánjìng), which means 'He gradually adapted to the new environment.'
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 漸?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.