Meanings of 逐步
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Podcast: 逐步
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AI Study Notes for 逐步
渐渐 (jiànjiàn, gradually) — use 逐步 for a more structured or intentional progression, while 渐渐 suggests a more natural, less deliberate change.
Be careful not to confuse 逐步 with other similar words like 逐渐 (zhu2 jian4), which means 'gradually' but emphasizes a more passive change. 逐步 is more active and intentional. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in business or academic discussions.
As an HSK Level 5 word, students should connect 逐步 with other HSK 5 verbs that describe gradual changes, such as 发展 (fa1 zhan3, to develop) or 增长 (zeng1 zhang3, to increase). Focus on using 逐步 in sentences that illustrate a process or change.
Learners often confuse 逐步 with 逐渐, leading to incorrect usage in contexts where an active stepwise approach is required. For example, saying '我们逐渐解决这个问题' (We gradually solve this problem) instead of '我们逐步解决这个问题' (We solve this problem step by step) is incorrect.
Pronunciation of 逐步
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Jason Explains 逐步 to You
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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Component Characters
How to say progressively in Chinese
“progressively” in Chinese is逐步
逐步 (zhu2 bu4) means 'step by step' or 'progressively'. It is often used to describe a process or action that is carried out gradually rather than all at once, highlighting the importance of incremental change or development in various contexts such as learning, project management, or personal growth.
When to use 逐步
Be careful not to confuse 逐步 with other similar words like 逐渐 (zhu2 jian4), which means 'gradually' but emphasizes a more passive change. 逐步 is more active and intentional. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in business or academic discussions.
逐步 or something close to it
渐渐 (jiànjiàn, gradually) — use 逐步 for a more structured or intentional progression, while 渐渐 suggests a more natural, less deliberate change.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 逐步 with 逐渐, leading to incorrect usage in contexts where an active stepwise approach is required. For example, saying '我们逐渐解决这个问题' (We gradually solve this problem) instead of '我们逐步解决这个问题' (We solve this problem step by step) is incorrect.
Write 逐步
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Grammar Patterns of 逐步
逐步 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 2 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他们说，当前的征兵体系应当____废除。
They said the present system of military conscription should be phased out.
Example Sentences for 逐步 (3)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 逐步
Yes, 逐步 is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, especially when discussing plans or changes.
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