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逐渐 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
逐渐zhújiàngraduallyHSK 5, d, rank #5115, Medium
zhújiàn(zhu2jian4) T2
  1. 1gradually
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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.

Frequency#5115DifficultyMedium
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
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About 逐渐

逐渐Simplified
逐漸Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#5115Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1

Podcast: 逐渐

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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.

Memory Mnemonic

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.

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.

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.

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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Component Characters

逐zhúto pursue
10 strokes辶
View full entry
渐jiānto imbue
11 strokes氵
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Write 逐渐

逐
渐

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

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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.

Example Sentences for 逐渐 (10)

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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
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.
3
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.
4
在心理治疗中，她开始逐渐放下对麦克的痴迷。

zài xīn lǐ zhì liáo zhōng， ， tā kāi shǐ zhú jiàn fàng xià duì mài kè de chī。

In therapy, she began to let go of her obsession with Mike.
5
为什么地理、戏剧、艺术和英语逐渐受宠？

wéi shí mó dì lǐ、 、 xì、 jù 、 yì shù hé yīng yǔ zhú jiàn？

Why are Geography, Drama, Art and English in the ascendant?
6
道路安全方案在道路使用者身上逐渐显现出明显的效果。

dào lù ān quán fāng àn zài dào lù shǐ yòng zhě shēn shàng zhú jiàn xiǎn xiàn chū míng xiǎn de xiào guǒ。

The road safety programme is having a demonstrable effect on road users.
7
真相开始逐渐浮出水面。

zhēn xiāng kāi shǐ zhú jiàn fú chū shuǐ miàn。

The truth is beginning to come out about what happened.
8
婚后几年这种兴奋感就会逐渐消逝。你等着瞧吧。

hūn hòu jī nián zhè zhǒng xīng fèn gǎn jiù huì zhú jiàn xiāo shì。 。 nǐ děng zháo qiáo。

The thrill wears off after a few years of marriage. You'll see.
9
1991年埃达厂开始逐渐关闭。

1991 1991 nián āi dá chǎng kāi shǐ zhú jiàn guān。

In 1991 the Ada plant began to wind down.
10
这些年来，罗伯特逐渐收藏了一批版画和绘画作品。

zhè xiē nián lái， ， luó bó tè zhú jiàn shōu cáng le yī pī bǎn huà hé huì huà zuò。

Robert's collection of prints and paintings has been bought over the years.

Cultural Notes for 逐渐

🏮Cultural insight

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.

Frequently Asked Questions about 逐渐

No, 逐渐 specifically means something happens gradually, so it wouldn't be appropriate for sudden changes.