次第に
Gradually
Structure
Explanation
The adverb 次第に is used to describe a change that occurs slowly and steadily over a period of time, similar to 'gradually' or 'little by little'. It is formed by attaching the particle に to the noun 次第, which can mean 'order' or 'circumstances'.
Although the noun form, 次第, can suggest an order of events, the adverbial form, 次第に, emphasizes the slow, continuous nature of a transformation.
- 長年の親友だったが、次第に関係が冷えていった。We were best friends for many years, but our relationship gradually grew cold.
次第に is versatile and can describe either favorable or unfavorable developments.
- 毎日練習したら、ピアノが次第に上手になってきた。After practicing every day, I gradually got better at playing the piano.
- 彼の希望は、次第に失われていった。His hope was gradually lost.
Both だんだん and 次第に convey a sense of gradual change, but 次第に carries a more formal nuance. It is often preferred in writing and formal contexts, whereas だんだん is common in everyday conversation.
- 専門家たちは、この問題は次第に解決すると見ている。The experts believe this problem will gradually be resolved.
- 最近、だんだん暖かくなってきたね。It's been getting gradually warmer lately, hasn't it?
Examples
練習を重ねるうちに、次第にピアノが上手に弾けるようになった。
As I continued to practice, I gradually became able to play the piano well.
空が次第に赤く染まり、美しい夕焼けが見られた。
The sky gradually turned red, revealing a beautiful sunset.
手術後の経過は順調で、体力も次第に回復してきた。
My post-surgery recovery has been smooth, and my physical strength is gradually returning.
スマートフォンの充電が次第に減っていき、とうとう電源が切れてしまった。
My smartphone's battery gradually drained until it finally powered off.
新商品の評判が広まり、売り上げが次第に伸びていった。
As word spread about the new product, sales gradually increased.
みんなの前で話すのは怖かったが、次第に緊張がほぐれてきた。
I was scared to speak in front of everyone, but my nervousness gradually eased.
駅前の再開発が進み、街の様子が次第に変わっていく。
As the redevelopment in front of the station progresses, the town's appearance is gradually changing.
濃い霧が次第に晴れて、遠くの山々が見えるようになった。
The thick fog gradually cleared, and the distant mountains became visible.
先生の説明を何度も聞くうちに、難しい理論が次第に理解できるようになった。
After listening to the teacher's explanation many times, I gradually came to understand the difficult theory.
彼と過ごす時間が増えるにつれて、次第に信頼関係が築かれていった。
As the time I spent with him increased, a relationship of trust was gradually built.
秋が深まるにつれて、木々の葉が次第に色づき始めた。
As autumn deepened, the leaves on the trees gradually began to change color.
円安の影響で、輸入品の価格が次第に上がってきている。
Due to the weak yen, the prices of imported goods are gradually rising.
最初は苦手だったコーヒーも、今では次第にその魅力がわかるようになった。
Although I didn't like coffee at first, I've now gradually come to understand its appeal.
遠ざかる電車の音が、次第に小さくなっていった。
The sound of the departing train gradually grew fainter.
新しい職場での仕事にも、次第に慣れてきたところです。
I'm gradually getting used to the work at my new job.