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March 24, 2026
逐渐(逐漸)zhújiàn(zhu2jian4)
逐渐 (zhújiàn) means 'gradually' or 'step by step.' It describes a process that occurs slowly over time, often used in contexts such as improvement, change, or development. Commonly, it conveys a sense of something happening incrementally rather than all at once.
Strokes21Frequency#5115DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of gradual progress is often reflected in the philosophy of 'slow and steady wins the race,' which values patience and persistence in achieving goals.
Memory Tip
To remember 逐渐, think of a 'zoo' (zhú) where animals are 'gradually' (渐) moving from one enclosure to another, step by step, demonstrating gradual change. The character 逐 (to pursue) can remind you of following something closely, while 渐 (to advance) suggests a slow progression.
Meanings of 逐渐
zhújiàn(zhu2jian4)
1gradually
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 逐渐
逐渐Simplified
逐漸Traditional
21Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#5115Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 逐渐
Podcast: 逐渐
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AI Study Notes for 逐渐
Quick Contrast
渐渐 (jiànjiàn) - use 逐渐 (zhújiàn) for a more formal or literary tone, while 渐渐 (jiànjiàn) is more colloquial.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 逐渐 with 逐步 (step by step) but 逐渐 emphasizes a gradual shift rather than distinct steps. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, often paired with verbs like 变化 (change) or 提高 (improve). Be careful with the tones; incorrect pronunciation can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 逐渐 is useful for discussing progress and change, connecting with verbs and adjectives that describe development. Focus on its usage in sentences to understand how it modifies actions over time.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using 逐渐 with a verb that implies immediacy, such as '立即' (immediately). Instead, say '他逐渐提高了他的技能' (He gradually improved his skills) instead of '他逐渐立即提高了他的技能.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 逐渐
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逐渐 (zhújiàn) means 'gradually' or 'step by step.' It describes a process that occurs slowly over time, often used in contexts such as improvement, change, or development. Commonly, it conveys a sense of something happening incrementally rather than all at once.
When to use 逐渐
Learners often confuse 逐渐 with 逐步 (step by step) but 逐渐 emphasizes a gradual shift rather than distinct steps. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, often paired with verbs like 变化 (change) or 提高 (improve). Be careful with the tones; incorrect pronunciation can lead to misunderstandings.
逐渐 or something close to it
渐渐 (jiànjiàn) - use 逐渐 (zhújiàn) for a more formal or literary tone, while 渐渐 (jiànjiàn) is more colloquial.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is using 逐渐 with a verb that implies immediacy, such as '立即' (immediately). Instead, say '他逐渐提高了他的技能' (He gradually improved his skills) instead of '他逐渐立即提高了他的技能.'
Write 逐渐
逐
渐
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Grammar Patterns of 逐渐
逐渐 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. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
如果你一直在服用这些药，停药时一定要____停。
If you take these drugs continuously, withdrawal must be tapered.
