Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Gradual" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "gradual", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
漸進
ぜんしん (zenshin)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
逓減
ていげん (teigen)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "gradual" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 漸進 and 逓減.
In Japanese, 漸進 (ぜんしん (zenshin)) is typically associated with "Gradual progress; step-by-step advance" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Emphasizes a slow, steady, and continuous process of improvement or change, as opposed to sudden or drastic changes. Often used with '的'.
On the other hand, 逓減 (ていげん (teigen)) maps to "gradual decrease, progressive reduction" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents 段階的に、あるいは一定の割合で徐々に減少していくことを指します。フォーマルな文脈や専門的な議論で使われることが多い。. A literal translation of "gradual" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "漸進"
改革は急激ではなく、漸進的に進められるべきだと彼は主張した。
He argued that reforms should be implemented gradually, not drastically.
Bilingual Context for "逓減"
この地域の人口は毎年着実に逓減している。
The population in this region is steadily decreasing year by year.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "改革は急激ではなく、 ＿＿＿ 的に進められるべきだと彼は主張した。" (Meaning: "He argued that reforms should be implemented gradually, not drastically.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "漸進" fits here because it means "Gradual progress; step-by-step advance" in the context of: "He argued that reforms should be implemented gradually, not drastically.". "逓減" represents "gradual decrease, progressive reduction".