HSK 6 · VERSION 2.0#100

Comparing “zhújiàn” and “jiànjiàn”

逐渐 vs 渐渐

zhújiàn vs jiànjiàn

How it works

Both 逐渐 (zhújiàn) and 渐渐 (jiànjiàn) mean “gradually.” Both describe a slow change over time.

However:

逐渐 (zhújiàn) is more formal and common in written explanation, analysis, and reports.

渐渐 (jiànjiàn) is more natural in spoken language and everyday description.

随着研究的不断深入，人们对这个问题的认识正在逐渐发生变化。

Suízhe yánjiū de búduàn shēnrù, rénmen duì zhège wèntí de rènshi zhèngzài zhújiàn fāshēng biànhuà.

As research continues to deepen, people’s understanding of this issue is gradually changing.

原本模糊的思路在反复讨论之后逐渐清晰起来。

Yuánběn móhu de sīlù zài fǎnfù tǎolùn zhī hòu zhújiàn qīngxī qǐlái.

The originally vague line of thinking gradually became clear after repeated discussion.

天色渐渐暗了下来，街上的人也比刚才少了很多。

Tiānsè jiànjiàn àn le xiàlái, jiē shàng de rén yě bǐ gāngcái shǎo le hěn duō.

The sky gradually grew dark, and there were far fewer people on the street than before.

他沉默了一会儿，情绪才渐渐平静下来。

Tā chénmò le yíhuìr, qíngxù cái jiànjiàn píngjìng xiàlái.

He remained silent for a while, and only then did his emotions gradually calm down.

逐渐 (zhújiàn) is more formal and analytical. 渐渐 (jiànjiàn) is more natural and descriptive in daily use.