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March 24, 2026
逐步zhúbù(zhu2bu4)
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.
Frequency#15847DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of gradual progress aligns with traditional values of patience and perseverance, often reflected in proverbs that emphasize the importance of taking things slow and steady to achieve success.
Memory Tip
Think of '逐' as a person walking step by step (like a 'zoo' of animals walking in line), and '步' means 'step'. Picture a slow-moving line of animals progressing forward, emphasizing the gradual nature of the journey.
Meanings of 逐步
zhúbù(zhu2bu4)
1progressively
2step by step
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 逐步
逐步Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#15847Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 逐步
Podcast: 逐步
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AI Study Notes for 逐步
Quick Contrast
渐渐 (jiànjiàn, gradually) — use 逐步 for a more structured or intentional progression, while 渐渐 suggests a more natural, less deliberate change.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '逐' as a person walking step by step (like a 'zoo' of animals walking in line), and '步' means 'step'. Picture a slow-moving line of animals progressing forward, emphasizing the gradual nature of the journey.
Usage Notes
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.
HSK Study Tips
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.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of gradual progress aligns with traditional values of patience and perseverance, often reflected in proverbs that emphasize the importance of taking things slow and steady to achieve success.
Common Mistakes
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.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 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.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
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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1
他们说，当前的征兵体系应当逐步废除。
tā mén shuō， ， dāng qián de zhēng bīng tǐ xì yīng dāng zhú bù fèi。
They said the present system of military conscription should be phased out.
2
工业现代化分20年逐步实现.
gōng yè xiàn dài huà fēn20 20 nián zhú bù shí.
The modernization of the industry was phased over at 20 - year period.
3
我从学徒开始干起，逐步上升。
wǒ cóng xué tú kāi shǐ gān qǐ， ， zhú bù shàng。
I started off as an ap-prentice and worked my way up.
Cultural Notes for 逐步
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of gradual progress aligns with traditional values of patience and perseverance, often reflected in proverbs that emphasize the importance of taking things slow and steady to achieve success.
Frequently Asked Questions about 逐步
Yes, 逐步 is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, especially when discussing plans or changes.
Yes, while both mean 'step by step', 一步一步 emphasizes the physical act of taking steps, whereas 逐步 focuses more on the gradual process of change.
Break it down into 'zhu' (like 'zoo') and 'bu' (sounds like 'boo'), then visualize a zoo of animals moving step by step.
