Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Gradually" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "gradually", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
ぼつぼつ
ぼつぼつ (botsubotsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
徐々に
じょじょに (jojoni)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "gradually" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ぼつぼつ and 徐々に.
In Japanese, ぼつぼつ (ぼつぼつ (botsubotsu)) is typically associated with "gradually, little by little; pimples, spots" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can mean 'gradually starting'.
On the other hand, 徐々に (じょじょに (jojoni)) maps to "gradually, steadily, little by little" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to describe a slow, continuous change or progression. It implies a gentle and unhurried movement towards a state or goal.. A literal translation of "gradually" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "ぼつぼつ"
雨がぼつぼつ降り始めた。
It started raining little by little.
Bilingual Context for "徐々に"
日本語が徐々に上達しています。
My Japanese is gradually improving.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "雨が ＿＿＿ 降り始めた。" (Meaning: "It started raining little by little.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "ぼつぼつ" fits here because it means "gradually, little by little; pimples, spots" in the context of: "It started raining little by little.". "徐々に" represents "gradually, steadily, little by little".