How to say "gradual" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- na-adjectiveIts core sense is 'gently sloping'; as 'gradual' it describes a smooth, unhurried change — gentle rather than steep or abrupt — not change organized into deliberate stages.
- 漸進的ぜんしんてきna-adjectiveCovers 'gradual' as slow, steady advance toward a goal, proceeding little by little. A less common word; for most purposes 段階的 is the more useful choice.
- 漸次的ぜんじてきna-adjectiveCovers 'gradual' in the sense of a change proceeding little by little, with an added nuance of slowness. It sits close to 漸進的 in meaning, and both are less common choices.
- なし崩し的なしくずしてきna-adjectiveRestricted to a negative 'gradual': something being destroyed, dismantled, or worn away bit by bit, often before anyone quite notices. It is not a general word for gradual change.
- 段階的だんかいてきna-adjectiveDescribes change carried out in distinct stages or steps — incremental, step-by-step progress. Among these words it is the broadest and most dependable way to say 'gradual' for planned, phased change.
Use 段階的 for change in deliberate stages, 漸進的 and 漸次的 for slow, little-by-little advance, 「なだらか」 for gentle, unhurried change, and 「なし崩し的」 only for things gradually worn away or dismantled.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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