渐 (jiàn) - Gradually & step by step

渐Tone 4

jiàn ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

健傑

渐 · jiàn

Gradually;

step by step;

to advance or progress slowly;

also refers to the Jian River.

Graduallystep by stepto advance or progress slowly

Usage highlights

GraduallyStep by stepGradual progressGradual changeGradual processJian River

Synonyms

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The weather gradually warmed up (天气渐渐暖和了).
  • She gradually adapted to the new environment (她逐渐适应了新环境).
  • The company is gradually expanding its market (公司正在逐步扩大市场).
  • His health is gradually improving (他的健康正在渐渐好转).

Collocations

  • Gradually(渐渐)
  • Step by step(逐步)
  • Gradual progress(渐进)
  • Gradual change(渐变)
  • Gradual process(渐次)
  • Jian River(渐江)

Idioms

  • Advance gradually and enter subtly(渐入佳境)
  • Accomplish through gradual progress(积渐之功)
  • From imperceptible start to conspicuous end(防微杜渐)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character embodies the Daoist and Confucian value of gradual, steady progress over sudden change.
  • It is associated with the concept of 'wu wei' or effortless action through natural progression.
  • Used in classical texts like the I Ching to describe slow but sure development.

FAQ