Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Gradually" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "gradually", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
しだいに
しだいに (shidai ni)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
漸次
ぜんじ (zenji)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "gradually" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between しだいに and 漸次.
In Japanese, しだいに (しだいに (shidai ni)) is typically associated with "gradually, by degrees, little by little" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Indicates a slow, progressive change or development over time. Similar to 徐々に.
On the other hand, 漸次 (ぜんじ (zenji)) maps to "gradually; by degrees; little by little" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Similar to 徐々に. A literal translation of "gradually" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "しだいに"
練習を続けるうちに、しだいに上手になっていった。
As I continued practicing, I gradually got better.
Bilingual Context for "漸次"
改革は漸次的に進められるべきだ。
Reforms should be advanced gradually.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "練習を続けるうちに、 ＿＿＿ 上手になっていった。" (Meaning: "As I continued practicing, I gradually got better.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "しだいに" fits here because it means "gradually, by degrees, little by little" in the context of: "As I continued practicing, I gradually got better.". "漸次" represents "gradually; by degrees; little by little".