At the A1 level, you don't really need to use the word 递减 (dìjiǎn) yet. It is too formal for basic conversations. Instead, you would use simple phrases like 越来越少 (yuè lái yuè shǎo) which means 'more and more less' (less and less). For example, if you want to say your money is decreasing, you would say '我的钱越来越少.' However, it is good to know that 递减 is the 'grown-up' version of this phrase. Think of 减 as the same 'minus' sign you use in math class (10 - 2 = 8). The character 递 just means it happens one after another. So, 递减 is just 'minus, minus, minus' in a row. Don't worry about using it in your speaking yet; just recognize that 减 means 'less.'
By A2, you are starting to learn more specific verbs. While you still mostly use 减少 (jiǎnshǎo) for 'decrease,' you might see 递减 (dìjiǎn) in simple graphs or science facts. For example, 'The temperature decreases as you go up the mountain.' In Chinese, this 'going up step by step and temperature dropping step by step' is a perfect place for 递减. You can remember it as 'sequential subtraction.' If you see a pattern where numbers are going down like 100, 90, 80, 70... that is 递减. It's a very 'organized' way of decreasing. You might hear it in a weather report or a very simple news story about prices. Try to notice the two characters: 递 (successive) and 减 (decrease).
At the B1 level, 递减 (dìjiǎn) becomes an important word for your vocabulary. You are now expected to move beyond basic daily life topics and discuss trends, work, and social issues. 递减 is the perfect word to describe a trend. For instance, if you are talking about why a company is failing, you might say '他们的用户在逐月递减' (Their users are progressively decreasing month by month). This sounds much more professional than just saying they have fewer users. You should also learn the phrase 递减趋势 (dìjiǎn qūshì), which means 'a decreasing trend.' This is a very common 'chunk' of language used in business and academic writing. At this level, you should start practicing using 递减 in your written homework, especially when describing charts or data.
For B2 learners, 递减 (dìjiǎn) should be a natural part of your formal vocabulary. You should understand its nuance compared to other words like 衰减 (attenuation) or 削减 (to cut). At this level, you should be able to use it in complex sentence structures, such as using it as a predicative or as an adjective. You will encounter it frequently in newspapers like the 'People's Daily' or in business journals. You should also be familiar with it in fixed expressions like 边际效用递减 (diminishing marginal utility). This is a key concept in economics that is often discussed in Chinese proficiency exams (like HSK 5 or 6). You should also be careful with the grammar: remember that 递减 is usually an intransitive process. You don't '递减' something; rather, the quantity '呈递减状态' (is in a state of progressive decrease).
At the C1 level, you are expected to have a deep mastery of 递减 (dìjiǎn) and its stylistic functions. You should use it to provide precision in your arguments. For example, in a thesis or a high-level business proposal, you might distinguish between '线性递减' (linear decrease) and '指数递减' (exponential decrease). You should also understand its metaphorical uses in literature or high-level journalism, where it might describe the '递减' of someone's influence, enthusiasm, or cultural impact over time. At this level, you should also be able to recognize and use related formal terms like 递增 (dìzēng - progressive increase), which is its direct antonym. Your ability to switch between these formal terms and more colloquial ones shows your linguistic flexibility. You should also be able to identify the word in fast-paced financial news or complex academic lectures without hesitation.
At the C2 level, 递减 (dìjiǎn) is a tool for absolute precision. You understand not just the meaning, but the 'flavor' it brings to a text—one of objectivity, scientific rigor, and logical progression. You can use it to describe highly abstract concepts, such as the '递减的社会信任' (progressively diminishing social trust) or the '递减的边际收益' (diminishing marginal returns) in complex philosophical or sociological debates. You are also aware of its historical and mathematical roots and can use it in highly technical discussions about algorithms (e.g., a decreasing sequence in a sorting algorithm). At this level, your usage of 递减 is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, and you can use it to create sophisticated rhetorical effects in both speech and writing. You might even use it ironically to describe personal situations with mock-seriousness, such as '我对这个节目的兴趣正在以对数方式递减' (My interest in this show is decreasing logarithmically).
递减 means to decrease progressively or step-by-step.
It is a formal word used in business, science, and math.
Commonly paired with '逐年' (year by year) or '逐渐' (gradually).
It describes a pattern of decline rather than a single event.
The Chinese term 递减 (dìjiǎn) is a formal and precise verb used to describe a process where something decreases in a sequential, progressive, or step-by-step manner. Unlike the general word for 'decrease' (减少 - jiǎnshǎo), which can refer to any drop in quantity, 递减 specifically emphasizes the pattern of the decline. It suggests a series of reductions over time or across a sequence. If you imagine a staircase going down, each step represents a stage of 递减. This word is a staple in academic, economic, and scientific contexts, but it also finds its way into daily life when discussing trends that show a steady downward trajectory.
Etymology & Character Breakdown
The first character, 递 (dì), means to hand over, to pass, or to follow in succession. It implies a sequence or a relay. The second character, 减 (jiǎn), means to subtract, reduce, or diminish. Together, they literally mean 'successive reduction.' This is why the word is so frequently used in mathematics to describe a decreasing sequence (递减数列).
Economic Context: Diminishing Returns
In economics, you will almost always encounter this word in the phrase 边际效用递减 (biānjì xiàoyòng dìjiǎn), which translates to 'diminishing marginal utility.' This describes the phenomenon where the more you consume of something, the less satisfaction you get from each additional unit. For example, the first slice of pizza is amazing, the second is good, and by the tenth, the utility has 'progressively decreased' to almost zero or even negative value.
随着年龄的增长，人体的新陈代谢速度会逐渐递减。 (As age increases, the body's metabolic rate will gradually decrease progressively.)
You will see 递减 used in news reports regarding demographics, such as 'birth rates decreasing year by year' (出生率逐年递减). It conveys a sense of inevitability and systematic change. It is not used for a sudden, one-time crash; for that, you would use words like '骤减' (zhòujiǎn) or '暴跌' (bàodiē). 递减 is the word of the slow, steady fade. It is the sound of a battery losing its charge bar by bar, or the fading light as the sun sets behind a mountain range.
优惠金额按月递减，直到归零。 (The discount amount decreases progressively every month until it reaches zero.)
Scientific Application
In physics and chemistry, 递减 describes decay or attenuation. For instance, the intensity of radiation 递减 as you move further from the source. It implies a mathematical relationship between distance and intensity. If the relationship is linear, it's a 'linear decrease' (线性递减); if it follows a curve, it might be an 'exponential decrease' (指数递减).
In summary, use 递减 when you want to emphasize the systematic, sequential nature of a reduction. It is a word of logic, math, and professional observation. It tells the listener that you aren't just looking at a lower number, but you are observing the way the number is getting lower.
Mastering 递减 (dìjiǎn) requires understanding its typical grammatical structures. It most commonly functions as a verb, but it often appears as part of a larger descriptive phrase. Because it implies a process, it is frequently paired with time-related adverbs like '逐年' (year by year), '逐日' (day by day), or '逐渐' (gradually).
Pattern 1: 逐[Time]递减 (Decrease [Time] by [Time])
This is the most common way to use the word. It highlights the steady nature of the decline.
公司的利润在过去的五年中逐年递减。 (The company's profits have been decreasing year by year over the past five years.)
Pattern 2: 呈...趋势 (Showing a ... trend)
In formal reports, 递减 is often used as an adjective modifying '趋势' (trend).
该地区的降雨量呈逐年递减趋势。 (The rainfall in this region shows a trend of decreasing year by year.)
随着高度的增加，大气压力会不断递减。 (As altitude increases, atmospheric pressure will continuously decrease progressively.)
Another sophisticated use is in the context of 'arithmetic progression' or 'geometric progression' in math. A '递减数列' (dìjiǎn shùliè) is a sequence where each term is smaller than the previous one. This mathematical precision is what gives the word its formal flavor. If you use it in a conversation about your bank account, you are implying a very systematic and perhaps alarming loss of money!
由于资源匮乏，该项目的投入资金正按比例递减。 (Due to the scarcity of resources, the investment funds for this project are decreasing proportionally.)
Register and Tone
Using 递减 in casual speech might sound a bit 'bookish' (书面语). For example, telling a friend '我的耐心在递减' (My patience is decreasing progressively) sounds more like a line from a dramatic novel or a formal complaint than a casual comment. In everyday chat, people usually stick to '越来越少' or '慢慢减少'. Reserve 递减 for when you want to sound objective, analytical, or precise.
You are most likely to encounter 递减 (dìjiǎn) in environments where data, trends, and systematic processes are discussed. It is a 'high-frequency' word in formal Chinese media and professional settings.
1. The News and Financial Reports
Whenever the news covers topics like the shrinking workforce, falling stock indices over a period, or the reduction of government subsidies, 递减 is the preferred term. It sounds authoritative. You might hear: '政府将采取梯度退坡政策，补贴金额逐年递减' (The government will adopt a gradient phase-out policy, and the subsidy amount will decrease year by year).
2. Academic Lectures and Textbooks
From middle school math to university-level physics, 递减 is essential. A math teacher might ask students to identify a '递减函数' (decreasing function). A biology professor might discuss the '递减的生物多样性' (progressively decreasing biodiversity) in an ecosystem under stress.
这种药物的药效会随着时间推移而递减。 (The efficacy of this drug will decrease progressively over time.)
In the corporate world, 递减 is used during performance reviews or strategy meetings. If a manager says, '我们的获客成本正在递减' (Our customer acquisition costs are progressively decreasing), that's very good news! It implies that the marketing strategy is becoming more efficient over time, rather than just having a one-time lucky break.
在马拉松比赛的后半程，选手的体力通常会呈递减状态。 (In the second half of a marathon, the athletes' physical strength usually shows a state of progressive decrease.)
3. Legal and Insurance Documents
In insurance, you might see '保额递减' (decreasing sum insured). This is common in mortgage protection insurance, where the payout decreases as the remaining mortgage balance decreases. The use of 递减 here provides the necessary legal precision to describe a structured change.
While 递减 (dìjiǎn) is a straightforward concept, its formal nature and specific usage patterns can lead to common errors for English speakers.
Mistake 1: Confusing '递减' with '减少'
This is the most frequent error. 减少 (jiǎnshǎo) is a general verb meaning 'to reduce' or 'to decrease.' It can be used for any drop. 递减 is specific to a sequential drop.
Incorrect: 我递减了我的体重。(I progressively decreased my weight.) - Sounds very strange.
Correct: 我减少了体重。 (I lost weight.)
Correct: 我的体重在逐月递减。 (My weight is progressively decreasing month by month.) - This works because it describes a pattern.
Mistake 2: Using it with a Direct Object
As mentioned before, 递减 is usually intransitive or part of a descriptive phrase. You don't '递减' something; something '递减's.
Incorrect: 公司递减了开支。(The company progressively decreased expenses.)
Correct: 公司的开支在递减。(The company's expenses are decreasing progressively.)
注意：不要在非正式场合过度使用“递减”，否则会显得格格不入。 (Note: Do not overuse '递减' in informal settings, otherwise it will seem out of place.)
Another mistake is using 递减 for a sudden crash. If a company's stock falls 50% in one day, you would never use 递减. You would use '暴跌' (bàodiē - plummet). 递减 implies a series of smaller drops. Think of it as a slope, not a cliff.
错误用法：地震后，人口递减了。 (Wrong usage: After the earthquake, the population progressively decreased.) - This is wrong because the decrease was sudden and catastrophic, not a gradual sequence.
Summary of Usage
To avoid mistakes, always ask yourself: Is this a pattern of reduction? Is it formal? Am I using it as a description of a trend rather than a simple action? If the answer is yes, 递减 is likely the right choice.
Chinese has many words for 'decrease.' Choosing the right one depends on the speed, the cause, and the formality of the situation. Here is how 递减 (dìjiǎn) compares to its cousins.
递减 vs. 减少 (jiǎnshǎo)
减少 is the general, all-purpose word for decrease. It's neutral and can be used in any context. 递减 is formal and implies a sequence. If you say 'the number of students decreased,' use 减少. If you say 'the number of students has been dropping by 5% every year for a decade,' use 递减.
递减 vs. 衰减 (shuāijiǎn)
衰减 means 'attenuation' or 'decay.' It is specifically used in science and technology for things like signal strength, radioactive decay, or the fading of sound. While 递减 is about quantity, 衰减 is often about intensity or power.
递减 vs. 削减 (xuējiǎn)
削减 means 'to cut down' or 'to slash.' It implies an active, intentional reduction, usually by a person or organization. For example, '削减开支' (to cut expenses). 递减 is often used to describe a natural or systematic trend that happens 'on its own.'
虽然两者都表示下降，但“递减”更侧重于节奏感和规律性。 (Although both indicate a decline, '递减' focuses more on the sense of rhythm and regularity.)
递减 vs. 锐减 (ruìjiǎn)
锐减 means a 'sharp decrease.' The '锐' (ruì) means sharp, like a blade. This is used for sudden, dramatic drops. 递减 is the opposite of '锐减' in terms of speed and smoothness.
When writing, if you find yourself using '越来越少' (yuè lái yuè shǎo) too much, consider if the situation involves a systematic pattern. If it does, 递减 will make your Chinese sound much more sophisticated and precise.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
The character '递' contains the 'walking' radical (辶), suggesting movement or progression, while '减' contains the 'water' radical (冫- ice/cold, though often associated with liquid reduction in ancient scripts), suggesting a cooling or thinning out.
Aussprachehilfe
UKdìjiǎn
USdìjiǎn
The emphasis is usually slightly stronger on the first syllable 'dì'.
Try to find three things in your life that are 递减 (e.g., your phone battery, your coffee, or your energy during a workout) and describe them using the word.
Wortherkunft
The word is composed of two ancient Chinese characters. '递' (dì) originally meant to pass or relay, implying a sequence. '减' (jiǎn) has roots in 'cutting' or 'subtracting.' Together, they form a compound that describes a sequential reduction.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To reduce in a successive or relay-like fashion.
Sino-Tibetan
Kultureller Kontext
No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral, formal term.
English speakers might use 'taper off' or 'dwindle' in similar informal contexts, but 'progressively decrease' is the closest formal match.
The Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility (边际效用递减规律) is a standard topic in Chinese high school politics/economics.Scientific papers on 'Radioactive Decay' (放射性递减).Economic reports on 'Population Growth Rate' (人口增长率递减).
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Economics
边际效用递减
收益递减
成本递减
规模效应递减
Mathematics
递减数列
递减函数
等差递减
等比递减
Science
放射性递减
强度递减
药效递减
能量递减
Demographics
出生率递减
劳动力递减
人口递减
密度递减
Business
利润递减
销量递减
份额递减
补贴递减
Gesprächseinstiege
"你觉得现在的电视节目质量是不是在递减？"
"在你的国家，人口是在递增还是在递减？"
"为什么有些人的学习热情会随着时间递减？"
"你有没有发现某种食物的边际效用递减很快？"
"现在的年轻人对传统文化的兴趣真的在递减吗？"
Tagebuch-Impulse
描述一个你观察到的正在递减的社会现象。
反思一下：随着你学习中文的时间增加，你的困难感是在递增还是递减？为什么？
写一段关于未来资源递减的科幻短文。
讨论一下在职场中，一个人的创造力是否会随工龄递减。
描述一次你感到耐心在递减的经历。
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 Fragen
Usually no. Use '减肥' or '体重减轻'. You only use '递减' if you are describing your weight loss as a specific monthly trend in a formal report.
It is primarily a verb, but it can function as an adjective (e.g., 递减数列) or part of a noun phrase (e.g., 递减趋势).
The direct opposite is 递增 (dìzēng), which means to increase progressively.
Yes, but it's more common to say '在递减' or '呈递减趋势'.
Often, but not necessarily. It just describes the downward movement. It could level off before zero.
Yes, for populations (人口递减) or student numbers, but not for an individual person getting smaller!
It is typically associated with HSK 5 or HSK 6 (New HSK Level 5-7).
They are very similar. 逐渐减少 is more neutral and common. 递减 is more formal and emphasizes the sequence.
Yes, to describe fading light, fading memories, or the passing of time in a formal, melancholic way.
Yes, for things like 'gradient descent' (梯度递减) or decreasing counter values.
递减 (dìjiǎn) is your 'professional' word for a steady decrease. Use it to describe trends like '逐年递减' (decreasing year by year) in reports or academic writing to sound more precise and authoritative. Example: 这里的森林面积正在递减 (The forest area here is progressively decreasing).
递减 means to decrease progressively or step-by-step.
It is a formal word used in business, science, and math.
Commonly paired with '逐年' (year by year) or '逐渐' (gradually).
It describes a pattern of decline rather than a single event.
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Pair with '逐'
Always try to pair 递减 with '逐年' (year by year) or '逐月' (month by month) to sound like a native professional.
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Avoid Objects
Remember that you don't '递减' something. Something '递减's on its own. Use it as an intransitive verb.
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Save it for reports
Use this word in your business emails or essays to instantly boost your formal writing score.
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The Staircase
Visualize a staircase. Each step down is '递' (sequential) and '减' (subtraction).
