こつこつkotsukotsu

1. adverb (with と)steadily; unflaggingly; untiringly; laboriously; diligently
   彼かれはこつこつ事実じじつを調しらべていた。↗

   He was patiently digging for facts.
2. adverb (with と)knocking; tapping; clicking; drumming
   だれかがドアをこつこつとたたいている。↗

   Someone is tapping at the door.

• Synonym着々ちゃくちゃくNeutralFor things advancing steadily and smoothly, as in 「準備が着々と進む」; it stresses progress, while 「コツコツ」 stresses sustained effort.
• Related徐々にじょじょにNeutralDescribes gradual, slow change, as in 「徐々に回復する」; 「コツコツ」 stresses diligent effort a little at a time.
• AntonymだらだらNeutralMeans dawdling or dragging on endlessly, the opposite of 「コツコツ」's diligent application; it also describes liquid dripping or trickling.
• Antonymいい加減いいかげんCasualColloquial word for doing things halfheartedly or carelessly, the opposite of 「コツコツ」's steady, earnest effort.

Use 「コツコツ」 for steady, diligent effort a little at a time, as in 「コツコツ勉強する」. For steady progress toward a goal pick 「着々」, for gradual change 「徐々に」; the opposite of 「コツコツ」 is 「だらだら」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 休やすまずに、努力どりょくを続つづける様子ようす。
2. 軽かるく、繰り返くりかえし叩たたく音おとや動作どうさ。