益々
Increasingly, More and more, Decreasingly, Less and less, Keep -ing
Structure
Explanation
The adverb ますます is used to convey that something is happening 'more and more' or 'increasingly'. It emphasizes a continuous change or a trend that is developing, and is frequently found at the beginning of a clause.
- この映画の予告編を見たら、ますます見たくなってきた。After watching the trailer for this movie, I want to see it more and more.
- 日本語は勉強すればするほど、ますます面白くなります。The more I study Japanese, the more interesting it becomes.
- 冬が近づくにつれて、益々寒くなっていきますね。As winter gets closer, it just keeps getting colder and colder, doesn't it?
The kanji form, 益々, is sometimes used in place of hiragana. This substitution does not change the meaning. The character 益 by itself means 'profit' or 'benefit'.
Fun Fact
Although sometimes written with the kanji 益々, the word ますます actually derives from the verb 増す, an う-Verb meaning 'to increase'. For this reason, it is most often used with verbs that describe a change, or with adjectives that can intensify.
- 毎日ポッドキャストを聞いているから、ますます聞き取りが上手になってきた。Because I listen to podcasts every day, my listening comprehension has been getting better and better.
- 彼は彼女ができてから、ますますおしゃれになった。He's become even more fashionable since he got a girlfriend.
Caution
ますます can also be used to describe something decreasing, resulting in a translation like 'less and less'. This still implies an increase in the degree of a negative situation.
- 最近、ますます人の名前を忘れやすくなった。Lately, I've been finding it harder and harder to remember people's names.
- 若者が都会に出ていくので、この町はますます人が少なくなっていく。Because the young people are moving to the city, there are fewer and fewer people in this town.
Examples
彼女は益々綺麗になっていく。
She is becoming more and more beautiful.
このゲームはレベルが上がると、益々難しくなる。
As you level up in this game, it gets more and more difficult.
彼の話を聞いて、歴史に益々興味が湧いた。
After listening to his story, my interest in history grew even more.
テクノロジーの進化で、私たちの生活は益々便利になった。
With the evolution of technology, our lives have become more and more convenient.
益々彼のことが分からなくなった。
I understand him less and less.
試験が近づくにつれて、益々不安になってきた。
As the exam gets closer, I'm feeling more and more anxious.
毎日練習することで、ピアノが益々上手になっている。
By practicing every day, my piano skills are getting better and better.
この業界では、益々競争が激しくなっている。
The competition in this industry is becoming increasingly fierce.
雨のせいで、道が益々混んできた。
Because of the rain, the roads are getting more and more congested.
年を取るにつれて、益々家族のありがたみがわかる。
As I get older, I appreciate my family more and more.
彼女の優しさに触れて、益々彼女が好きになった。
Experiencing her kindness made me fall for her even more.
益々この仕事が面白くなってきた。
This job has become more and more interesting.