HSK 6 · VERSION 2.0#17

Expressing “Gradually” with “zhújiàn”

逐渐

zhújiàn

How it works

逐渐 (zhújiàn) means “gradually,” “little by little,” or “step by step.” It describes change that happens slowly over time.

Compared with 渐渐 (jiànjiàn), 逐渐 (zhújiàn) often sounds more formal and is especially common in writing or formal explanation.

随着经验不断积累，他对这个行业的认识也在逐渐加深。

Suízhe jīngyàn búduàn jīlěi, tā duì zhège hángyè de rènshi yě zài zhújiàn jiāshēn.

As experience continued to accumulate, his understanding of the industry gradually deepened.

原本紧张的气氛在他的解释之下逐渐缓和了下来。

Yuánběn jǐnzhāng de qìfēn zài tā de jiěshì zhī xià zhújiàn huǎnhé le xiàlái.

The originally tense atmosphere gradually eased under his explanation.

一个人的想法往往不是突然改变的，而是在长期经历中逐渐形成的。

Yí ge rén de xiǎngfǎ wǎngwǎng bú shì tūrán gǎibiàn de, ér shì zài chángqī jīnglì zhōng zhújiàn xíngchéng de.

A person’s ideas often do not change suddenly, but are gradually formed over long experience.

逐渐 (zhújiàn) often emphasizes slow and continuous development over time.