How to say "Gradually" in Japanese

When translating "gradually" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between だんだん and しだいに. In Japanese, だんだん (だんだん (dandan)) is typically associated with "gradually; little by little" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents An adverb indicating a slow, continuous change or progression over time. Often used with verbs describing change. 時間が経つにつれて、物事が少しずつ変化する様子を表す副詞です。. On the other hand, しだいに (しだいに (shidai ni)) maps to "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. A literal translation of "gradually" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!