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A2 adverb #2,500 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

次第に

shidai ni
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 次第に en 30 secondes
Explication 次第に in your Level:
At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to understand the concept of time and change in Japanese. While '次第に' (shidai ni) is technically an A2 word, A1 learners might encounter it in simple reading passages or hear it in basic weather forecasts. At this stage, the focus is on recognizing the word and associating it with the English meaning 'gradually' or 'little by little.' Learners at this level are more likely to use 'だんだん' (dandan) because it is easier to pronounce and more common in the beginner textbooks. However, being introduced to '次第に' helps build a foundation for formal vocabulary. A1 learners should focus on understanding that when they see '次第に', something is changing slowly. They do not need to master the complex verb conjugations that follow it yet, but simply recognizing it as a time marker is a significant achievement. Teachers might introduce it alongside basic adjectives, explaining that instead of saying 'It is hot,' we are saying 'It is slowly becoming hot.' This introduces the concept of dynamic states, which is crucial for later fluency. Practice at this level involves simple matching exercises and listening for the word in slow, clear audio clips.
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At the A2 level, '次第に' becomes an active part of the learner's vocabulary. Learners are now expected to not only recognize the word but also use it in simple sentences. The critical grammatical concept introduced here is pairing '次第に' with verbs of change, specifically the '〜になる' (to become) pattern for adjectives and nouns. For example, learners practice sentences like '次第に寒くなります' (It gradually becomes cold) or '次第に上手になります' (I gradually become skilled). This level emphasizes the difference between static descriptions and dynamic changes. Learners are also taught to distinguish '次第に' from its casual counterpart 'だんだん', understanding that '次第に' is better suited for written assignments or slightly more formal speech. Exercises at this level include fill-in-the-blank questions, where learners must choose the correct adverb, and simple translation tasks. The goal is to build confidence in describing natural progressions, such as the changing of seasons or the improvement of a skill over time. By the end of A2, learners should comfortably insert '次第に' into their daily journal entries or basic conversations about ongoing changes.
As learners progress to the B1 level, their ability to express complex ideas expands significantly, and '次第に' plays a key role in this development. At this stage, learners are introduced to more advanced verb conjugations, specifically the '〜てくる' (to come to be) and '〜ていく' (to go on being) forms. Pairing '次第に' with these forms allows for highly nuanced descriptions of change that originates in the past and continues to the present, or starts now and continues into the future. For instance, '次第に分かってきた' (I have gradually come to understand) is a classic B1 sentence structure. Learners also begin to encounter '次第に' in authentic materials, such as news articles, simple essays, and intermediate listening comprehension exercises. They must learn to infer meaning from context and understand how '次第に' sets the tone for a formal or objective narrative. The distinction between '次第に', '徐々に', and '少しずつ' is explicitly taught, requiring learners to choose the most appropriate synonym based on the specific nuance required. B1 exercises involve paragraph-level reading comprehension, error correction tasks focusing on verb pairings, and writing short essays describing personal growth or societal changes.
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At the B2 level, learners are expected to have a firm grasp of '次第に' and use it effortlessly in both spoken and written Japanese. The focus shifts from basic sentence construction to stylistic choices and register. B2 learners engage with complex texts, such as editorials, academic papers, and business reports, where '次第に' is used to describe abstract concepts like economic trends, demographic shifts, or psychological states. For example, '人々の意識が次第に変化している' (People's awareness is gradually changing). Learners must understand how to use the word to build arguments and present data objectively. In speaking, B2 learners practice using '次第に' in debates or formal presentations, demonstrating their ability to control the formality of their language. They also learn to recognize common collocations and idiomatic phrases that include the word. Exercises at this level are challenging, involving advanced translation, summarizing long articles, and writing detailed reports. The goal is to integrate '次第に' so deeply into their vocabulary that it becomes a natural choice when discussing any form of gradual, continuous change in a professional or academic setting.
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At the C1 level, the usage of '次第に' is refined to near-native proficiency. Learners are dealing with highly sophisticated texts, including classical literature, advanced technical manuals, and complex socio-political commentary. They understand the subtle emotional or atmospheric weight that '次第に' can add to a narrative. For instance, in a novel, '次第に' might be used to describe the slow, creeping sense of dread a character feels, or the fading light of a sunset that mirrors a tragic ending. C1 learners can manipulate sentence structures, placing '次第に' at different points in a sentence to alter emphasis without breaking grammatical rules. They are also fully aware of the etymological roots of the word (次 and 第) and how this relates to its meaning of 'sequential order.' At this level, learners are not just consuming the language; they are producing it creatively and accurately. Exercises involve literary analysis, advanced creative writing, and high-level consecutive translation. They must be able to explain the difference between '次第に' and its synonyms to lower-level learners, demonstrating a meta-linguistic awareness of Japanese vocabulary.
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At the pinnacle of language learning, the C2 level, '次第に' is utilized with absolute mastery and effortless intuition. C2 learners possess a deep cultural and linguistic understanding of the word, recognizing its resonance in Japanese aesthetics, which often value the beauty of slow, natural transitions (like the fading of cherry blossoms or the changing of autumn leaves). They can seamlessly integrate '次第に' into any context, from a highly technical scientific dissertation on climate change to an impromptu, eloquent speech at a formal gathering. At this level, the focus is on the absolute precision of expression. C2 learners can detect the slightest unnaturalness in how a non-native speaker might use the word and can correct it instantly. They are familiar with archaic or highly literary usages and can play with the language for rhetorical effect. Exercises for C2 learners are indistinguishable from tasks a highly educated native speaker might perform, such as writing professional-grade articles, analyzing complex legal or historical documents, and engaging in philosophical debates where the precise nature of 'gradual change' is a central theme. '次第に' is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a fully integrated tool for sophisticated thought and communication.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

次第に en 30 secondes

  • Means 'gradually' or 'little by little'.
  • Used with verbs of change (e.g., naru, te kuru).
  • More formal than the casual word 'dandan'.
  • Often heard in news, weather, and formal writing.
The Japanese adverb 次第に (shidai ni) is a highly versatile and essential vocabulary word that translates to 'gradually,' 'little by little,' or 'step by step.' Understanding this word requires a deep dive into its kanji components, its historical usage, and its modern application in everyday Japanese communication. The word is composed of two kanji: 次 (ji/tsugi), which means 'next' or 'sequence,' and 第 (dai), which is used as a prefix for ordinal numbers or to indicate a degree or order. Together, they form a concept that describes a progression from one state to another in a sequential, unhurried manner. When you use 次第に, you are emphasizing that a change is not sudden or abrupt, but rather a continuous, observable shift over a period of time. This is particularly useful when describing natural phenomena, such as the changing of seasons, the progression of an illness, or the gradual improvement of a skill. For instance, when winter transitions into spring, the temperature does not spike overnight; instead, it gradually becomes warmer. This is the perfect context for 次第に. Furthermore, this word is often used in written Japanese and formal speech, though it is certainly understood and used in everyday conversation. It carries a slightly more objective and formal tone compared to its synonyms like だんだん (dandan), which is more colloquial and subjective. To truly master 次第に, one must pay attention to the verbs and adjectives that follow it. It is almost always paired with expressions that indicate change, such as verbs ending in 〜てくる (to come to be), 〜ていく (to go on being), or 〜になる (to become).
Etymological Breakdown
The combination of 'next' and 'ordinal' creates a literal meaning of 'in order,' which evolved into 'gradually.'

空が次第に暗くなってきた。

The concept of gradual change is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, which values harmony and natural progression over sudden disruption. This cultural nuance is reflected in the language, where words like 次第に are used to soften the impact of a statement or to accurately describe the natural flow of events. For example, in a business setting, a project's success is rarely instantaneous; it is achieved 次第に through hard work and collaboration.
Nuance Comparison
Unlike 急に (suddenly), 次第に implies a predictable and steady transformation.

彼の病状は次第に悪化している。

When learning this word, it is crucial to practice it in context. Memorizing the definition alone is insufficient because the grammatical structure surrounding the word is what gives it its meaning.
Grammar Connection
Often used with the V-te iku / V-te kuru forms to show directional change over time.

雪が次第に溶けていった。

観客が次第に集まってきた。

事態は次第に明らかになるだろう。

In conclusion, 次第に is an indispensable tool for expressing gradual change in Japanese. Its usage spans from casual observations of the weather to formal reports on economic trends. By understanding its kanji roots, its grammatical pairings, and its cultural implications, learners can elevate their Japanese proficiency and communicate with greater precision and nuance. The journey to mastering Japanese is itself a process that happens 次第に, requiring patience, persistence, and a keen eye for detail. As you continue to study, you will notice this word appearing frequently in reading materials, news broadcasts, and daily conversations, reinforcing its importance in the language.
Using 次第に correctly involves understanding its syntactic placement and its relationship with other words in a sentence. As an adverb, it typically precedes the verb or adjective it modifies. However, because Japanese word order is relatively flexible, it can sometimes appear at the beginning of a clause for emphasis. The most critical rule to remember is that 次第に must be used with expressions that denote a change of state. You cannot use it with static verbs or adjectives unless they are conjugated to show a transition. For example, you cannot say '次第に暑い' (gradually hot); you must say '次第に暑くなる' (gradually becomes hot). This requirement for dynamic expressions is what makes the pairing with 〜になる (to become) and 〜てくる/〜ていく (to come/go doing) so ubiquitous.
Verb Pairing
Always ensure the main verb indicates a transition, such as 増える (to increase) or 減る (to decrease).

人口が次第に減少している。

In written Japanese, such as essays, news articles, and novels, 次第に is preferred over its colloquial counterpart だんだん. This is because it carries a more objective and analytical tone. When writing a report on market trends, for instance, stating that sales are '次第に増加している' (gradually increasing) sounds much more professional than using だんだん.
Adjective Conjugation
I-adjectives drop the 'i' and add 'ku naru'. Na-adjectives add 'ni naru'.

風が次第に強くなった。

Another important aspect of using 次第に is understanding its scope. It can describe both positive and negative changes. A patient's health can 次第に回復する (gradually recover) or 次第に悪化する (gradually worsen). The word itself is neutral; the context provides the positive or negative connotation.
Contextual Neutrality
The adverb does not inherently imply good or bad, only the speed and nature of the change.

二人の関係は次第に冷え込んでいった。

練習を重ねるにつれて、次第に上達した。

霧が次第に晴れて、山が見えてきた。

When speaking, native speakers might pause slightly before or after 次第に to emphasize the gradual nature of the event. Intonation also plays a role; a slow, drawn-out pronunciation of the word can mimic the slow progression it describes. For learners, mastering the use of 次第に is a significant step toward sounding more natural and sophisticated in Japanese. It demonstrates an ability to describe the world not just in static terms, but as a dynamic, ever-changing environment. By consistently applying the rules of verb pairing and context, you will find that 次第に becomes an invaluable part of your vocabulary arsenal, allowing you to articulate complex observations with ease and accuracy.
The adverb 次第に is ubiquitous in Japanese media, literature, and daily conversation, making it a word you will encounter frequently across various contexts. One of the most common places to hear it is in weather forecasts. Meteorologists frequently use it to describe the gradual shift in weather patterns, such as the slow approach of a typhoon or the gradual clearing of skies after a storm. For example, '午後は次第に晴れるでしょう' (It will gradually clear up in the afternoon) is a standard phrase you will hear on the evening news.
News Broadcasts
Used extensively in formal reporting to describe ongoing situations objectively.

台風の影響で、雨が次第に強まる見込みです。

Beyond the weather, 次第に is a staple in documentaries and historical programs. Narrators use it to describe the slow evolution of societies, the gradual construction of monuments, or the steady decline of an empire. It lends a sense of gravitas and historical perspective to the narration.
Documentary Narration
Provides a dramatic yet factual tone when describing historical or scientific processes.

その文明は次第に衰退していった。

In literature, authors rely on 次第に to build tension or to show character development over time. A protagonist's growing realization of a truth or the slow blossoming of romance are perfectly captured by this word. It allows the writer to show rather than tell, illustrating a process that unfolds organically.
Literary Contexts
Used to describe internal emotional shifts or the slow progression of a plot.

彼女の心の中で、不安が次第に大きくなっていった。

町の風景は、年月とともに次第に変わっていった。

彼の声は次第に小さくなり、最後には聞こえなくなった。

In the business world, you will hear 次第に in meetings and presentations, particularly when discussing long-term trends, sales projections, or market shifts. It conveys a sense of measured analysis, showing that the speaker is observing a continuous trend rather than reacting to a sudden anomaly. Even in casual conversation, while だんだん is more common, adults will often use 次第に when discussing serious topics, such as the economy, politics, or personal health, to sound more mature and thoughtful. Recognizing the contexts in which 次第に is used will not only improve your listening comprehension but also help you gauge the appropriate register and tone for your own speech. It is a word that bridges the gap between everyday observation and formal analysis, making it an essential component of a well-rounded Japanese vocabulary.
While 次第に is a straightforward word in its meaning, learners often make mistakes in its application, primarily due to grammatical mismatches or confusion with similar words. The most frequent error is using 次第に with static verbs or adjectives that do not indicate a change. For example, a learner might say '彼は次第に背が高い' (He is gradually tall), which is grammatically incorrect in Japanese. The correct phrasing must include a verb of change: '彼は次第に背が高くなった' (He gradually became taller). This distinction is crucial because 次第に inherently describes a process, not a fixed state.
Static vs. Dynamic
Never use with state-of-being verbs like ある or いる unless modified to show change.

❌ 部屋が次第に静かだ。 ⭕ 部屋が次第に静かになった。

Another common mistake is confusing 次第に with words that mean 'suddenly' or 'immediately,' such as 急に (kyuu ni) or すぐに (sugu ni). Because learners are often trying to express a sequence of events, they might use the wrong temporal adverb. It is important to remember that 次第に implies a slow, steady progression, not an abrupt shift.
Temporal Confusion
Ensure the context matches the slow pace implied by the word.

❌ ドアが開いて、次第に犬が飛び出してきた。 (Incorrect because jumping out is sudden)

Learners also sometimes confuse 次第に with the grammar point 〜次第 (shida), which means 'as soon as' or 'depending on.' While they share the same kanji, their meanings and grammatical functions are entirely different. For instance, '到着し次第、連絡します' means 'I will contact you as soon as I arrive.' Adding 'に' makes it an adverb of gradual change.
Grammar Point Confusion
Distinguish between the adverb 次第に and the suffix 〜次第.

❌ 天候次第に、試合を中止します。 ⭕ 天候次第で、試合を中止します。

⭕ 薬が効いて、痛みが次第に和らいだ。

⭕ 努力すれば、次第に結果が出る。

Finally, overusing 次第に in casual conversation can make your speech sound stiff or overly formal. While it is not incorrect to use it with friends, だんだん is usually more natural in relaxed settings. By being aware of these common pitfalls—ensuring dynamic verbs, matching the pace of the action, distinguishing it from similar grammar points, and choosing the right register—you can use 次第に accurately and effectively, avoiding the errors that often trip up intermediate learners.
The Japanese language is rich in vocabulary that describes change, and 次第に has several synonyms that are used in different contexts and registers. The most common synonym is だんだん (dandan), which also means 'gradually' or 'step by step.' The primary difference between the two lies in their formality. だんだん is highly colloquial and is the preferred choice in everyday, casual conversation. It is often written in hiragana and has a softer, more approachable feel. For example, 'だんだん寒くなってきたね' (It's getting gradually colder, isn't it?) is a perfect phrase for chatting with a friend.
だんだん (Dandan)
Casual, everyday equivalent. Often used in spoken Japanese.

日本語がだんだん分かってきた。

Another similar word is 徐々に (jojo ni). This word is very close in meaning and formality to 次第に. However, 徐々に emphasizes the slowness of the change even more strongly. It paints a picture of a change that is almost imperceptible from moment to moment but clear over a long period. It is often used in medical or scientific contexts, such as '薬の効果が徐々に現れる' (The effects of the medicine appear very slowly).
徐々に (Jojo ni)
Formal, emphasizes extreme slowness or gradualness.

景気は徐々に回復している。

少しずつ (sukoshizutsu) is another related term, meaning 'little by little' or 'a little at a time.' While it can describe gradual change, it focuses more on the small increments of the action rather than the overall flow of time. For instance, '少しずつ食べてください' means 'Please eat little by little,' which cannot be replaced by 次第に.
少しずつ (Sukoshizutsu)
Focuses on small quantities or increments rather than just time.

貯金を少しずつ増やしている。

ますます (Masumasu) means 'more and more' and indicates an accelerating change.

一歩一歩 (Ippo ippo) means 'step by step,' focusing on steady effort.

Understanding the subtle distinctions between these synonyms allows you to express yourself with greater precision. While they all describe a process that takes time, the choice between だんだん, 次第に, 徐々に, and 少しずつ depends on the formality of the situation, the speed of the change, and whether you are focusing on the time elapsed or the increments of the action. Mastering these nuances is a hallmark of an advanced Japanese speaker, enabling you to paint a more accurate and vivid picture of the changes happening around you.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

V-te iku (continuous change into the future)

V-te kuru (continuous change up to the present)

N/Na-adj + ni naru (to become)

I-adj (drop i) + ku naru (to become)

〜につれて (as X happens, Y happens)

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Exemples par niveau

1

あきは次第にさむくなります。

Autumn gradually becomes cold.

次第に + Adjective + なります

2

空が次第にくらくなります。

The sky gradually becomes dark.

次第に + く + なります

3

雨が次第につよくなります。

The rain gradually becomes strong.

次第に + つよく + なります

4

次第にわかります。

I gradually understand.

次第に + Verb

5

はなが次第にさきます。

The flower gradually blooms.

次第に + Verb

6

次第におおきくなります。

It gradually becomes big.

次第に + おおきく + なります

7

次第によくなります。

It gradually becomes good.

次第に + よく + なります

8

次第にあたたかくなります。

It gradually becomes warm.

次第に + あたたかく + なります

1

練習すれば、次第に上手になります。

If you practice, you will gradually become skilled.

次第に + Na-adjective + になります

2

薬を飲んで、次第に気分が良くなった。

After taking medicine, I gradually felt better.

次第に + Noun + が + よくなった

3

雲が晴れて、次第に山が見えてきた。

The clouds cleared, and the mountain gradually came into view.

次第に + Verb-てくる

4

日本語の勉強が次第に楽しくなりました。

Studying Japanese gradually became fun.

次第に + 楽しく + なりました

5

冬が近づき、次第に日が短くなる。

As winter approaches, the days gradually become shorter.

次第に + 短く + なる

6

彼の話を聞いて、次第に状況が分かった。

Listening to his story, I gradually understood the situation.

次第に + 分かった

7

町は次第に静かになっていった。

The town gradually became quiet.

次第に + 静かに + なっていった

8

お客さんが次第に増えてきました。

The number of customers has gradually increased.

次第に + 増えてきました

1

新しい環境にも次第に慣れてくるでしょう。

You will probably gradually get used to the new environment.

次第に + 慣れてくる

2

議論が進むにつれて、問題点が次第に明らかになった。

As the discussion progressed, the problems gradually became clear.

次第に + 明らかになった

3

二人の関係は次第に冷え込んでいった。

The relationship between the two gradually cooled down.

次第に + 冷え込んでいった

4

科学技術の発展により、生活は次第に便利になっている。

Due to the development of science and technology, life is gradually becoming more convenient.

次第に + 便利に + なっている

5

最初は難しかったが、次第にコツを掴んできた。

It was difficult at first, but I gradually got the hang of it.

次第に + コツを掴んできた

6

地球温暖化の影響で、海面が次第に上昇している。

Due to the effects of global warming, sea levels are gradually rising.

次第に + 上昇している

7

彼の努力は次第に周囲に認められるようになった。

His efforts gradually came to be recognized by those around him.

次第に + 認められるように + なった

8

痛みが次第に和らぎ、ついに眠りについた。

The pain gradually eased, and I finally fell asleep.

次第に + 和らぎ

1

経済制裁の影響が次第に実体経済に波及し始めた。

The effects of economic sanctions gradually began to ripple through the real economy.

次第に + 波及し始めた

2

伝統的な工芸技術は、後継者不足により次第に失われつつある。

Traditional craft techniques are gradually being lost due to a lack of successors.

次第に + 失われつつある

3

プロジェクトの全貌が次第に浮き彫りになってきた。

The full picture of the project has gradually come into sharp relief.

次第に + 浮き彫りに + なってきた

4

人々の価値観が多様化する中で、その制度は次第に時代遅れとなった。

As people's values diversified, the system gradually became outdated.

次第に + 時代遅れと + なった

5

彼の心の中にあった疑念が、次第に確信へと変わっていった。

The doubt in his mind gradually turned into conviction.

次第に + 変わっていった

6

グローバル化の波に押され、独自の文化が次第に薄れている。

Pushed by the wave of globalization, unique cultures are gradually fading.

次第に + 薄れている

7

長年の研究データが蓄積され、理論の正当性が次第に証明された。

Years of research data accumulated, and the validity of the theory was gradually proven.

次第に + 証明された

8

過疎化が進む村では、空き家が次第に目立つようになっている。

In the depopulating village, empty houses are gradually becoming conspicuous.

次第に + 目立つように + なっている

1

記憶の糸をたぐるうちに、忘却の彼方にあった出来事が次第に蘇ってきた。

As I traced the threads of my memory, events from the depths of oblivion gradually came back to me.

次第に + 蘇ってきた

2

権力の座に長く留まることで、彼の判断力は次第に鈍磨していった。

By remaining in power for a long time, his judgment gradually became blunted.

次第に + 鈍磨していった

3

微細な亀裂が次第に拡大し、ついには組織全体の崩壊を招いた。

The minute cracks gradually expanded, ultimately leading to the collapse of the entire organization.

次第に + 拡大し

4

その思想は当初異端視されていたが、時代の変遷とともに次第に市民権を得ていった。

The ideology was initially viewed as heretical, but with the changing times, it gradually gained public acceptance.

次第に + 市民権を得ていった

5

病魔は彼の肉体を次第に蝕み、かつての面影を奪い去った。

The disease gradually ravaged his body, stripping away the traces of his former self.

次第に + 蝕み

6

複雑に絡み合った利害関係が、交渉を通じて次第に解きほぐされていく。

The complexly intertwined interests are gradually being unraveled through negotiation.

次第に + 解きほぐされていく

7

星々の瞬きが次第に薄れ、東の空が白み始めた。

The twinkling of the stars gradually faded, and the eastern sky began to lighten.

次第に + 薄れ

8

彼の言葉の裏に隠された真意が、次第に私の胸に迫ってきた。

The true intention hidden behind his words gradually pressed upon my heart.

次第に + 迫ってきた

1

歴史のうねりの中で、個人の意志は次第に巨大な奔流に飲み込まれてゆく。

In the swell of history, individual will is gradually swallowed by a massive torrent.

次第に + 飲み込まれてゆく

2

形而上学的な問いに対する彼の思索は、次第に深淵へと向かっていった。

His contemplation of metaphysical questions gradually headed toward the abyss.

次第に + 向かっていった

3

かつて絶対的とされたパラダイムが、新たな発見によって次第に瓦解していく様を目撃した。

I witnessed the paradigm, once considered absolute, gradually collapsing due to new discoveries.

次第に + 瓦解していく

4

言語という枠組みの中で、その名状しがたい感情は次第に輪郭を帯びてきた。

Within the framework of language, that indescribable emotion gradually took on a contour.

次第に + 輪郭を帯びてきた

5

文明の利器に依存するあまり、人間の本来的な生存能力が次第に退化しているという警鐘が鳴らされている。

An alarm is being sounded that human beings' inherent survival skills are gradually degenerating due to over-reliance on the conveniences of civilization.

次第に + 退化している

6

静寂が次第に密度を増し、まるで空間そのものが凍りついたかのような錯覚に陥った。

The silence gradually increased in density, leading to the illusion that space itself had frozen.

次第に + 密度を増し

7

彼の芸術は、初期の模倣から次第に独自の境地へと昇華されていった。

His art was gradually sublimated from early imitation to a unique realm of its own.

次第に + 昇華されていった

8

宇宙の膨張とともに、銀河同士の距離は次第に遠ざかり、やがては孤立した島宇宙となる運命にある。

With the expansion of the universe, the distance between galaxies is gradually increasing, destined eventually to become isolated island universes.

次第に + 遠ざかり

Collocations courantes

次第に暖かくなる
次第に明らかになる
次第に増える
次第に減る
次第に悪化する
次第に回復する
次第に強くなる
次第に弱くなる
次第に慣れる
次第に変化する

Phrases Courantes

次第に良くなる
次第に大きくなる
次第に少なくなる
次第に分かってくる
次第に近づく
次第に遠ざかる
次第に暗くなる
次第に明るくなる
次第に静かになる
次第に忙しくなる

Souvent confondu avec

次第に vs 急に

次第に vs すぐに

次第に vs 次第 (grammar point)

Expressions idiomatiques

"時が経つにつれて次第に"
"日を追うごとに次第に"
"年を重ねるごとに次第に"
"雪だるま式に次第に"
"水面下で次第に"
"目に見えて次第に"
"知らず知らずのうちに次第に"
"薄紙を剥ぐように次第に"
"真綿で首を絞めるように次第に"
"坂道を転がるように次第に"

Facile à confondre

次第に vs

次第に vs

次第に vs

次第に vs

次第に vs

Structures de phrases

Famille de mots

Apparenté

次第 (depending on/as soon as)
手次第 (whatever is at hand)
片っ端から次第に (one by one gradually)
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Comment l'utiliser

note

Cannot be used for sudden events or static states.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using it with static verbs (e.g., 次第にいる).
  • Using it with unconjugated adjectives (e.g., 次第に寒い).
  • Confusing it with sudden adverbs like 急に.
  • Using it in overly casual conversation where だんだん is better.
  • Confusing it with the grammar point 〜次第 (depending on).

Astuces

Always Pair with Change

Make it a habit to link 次第に with verbs like なる, くる, or いく. This ensures your sentences are grammatically sound.

Adjust Formality

When chatting with friends, swap 次第に for だんだん. Save 次第に for when you want to sound smart or professional.

Weather Reports

Tune into Japanese weather forecasts. You will hear this word used constantly to describe approaching weather fronts.

Essay Power Word

Use this word in your Japanese essays to describe trends or changes. It instantly elevates the maturity of your writing.

Not for Sudden Events

Never use this word if the action takes place in a few seconds. It is strictly for slow, observable changes.

Learn the Kanji

Understanding that 次 means 'next' helps cement the idea of a step-by-step process in your memory.

Memorize Chunks

Don't just learn the word; learn phrases like '次第に明らかになる' (gradually becomes clear) as single units of meaning.

Look for Context Clues

When you see this word in a text, expect the following sentences to describe the result of the gradual change.

Avoid Adjective Errors

Remember: '次第に高い' is wrong. '次第に高くなる' is correct. Always add the 'naru'.

Know the Differences

Understand that while 徐々に is similar, it feels even slower than 次第に. Choose your words based on the speed of change.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

She dies (shidai) slowly and gradually in the dramatic movie.

Origine du mot

Chinese roots

Contexte culturel

Highly used in seasonal greetings and weather reports.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"最近、日本語が次第に分かってきましたか？"

"あなたの町は、次第に変わっていますか？"

"気候変動で、夏が次第に暑くなっていると思いますか？"

"新しい仕事には次第に慣れましたか？"

"趣味の腕前は次第に上がっていますか？"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a skill you have gradually improved at using 次第に.

Write about how the weather is gradually changing this month.

Explain how your opinion on a certain topic has gradually shifted.

Describe a city that is gradually modernizing.

Write a short story where the tension gradually builds up.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, you cannot use it with just any verb. It must be used with verbs that indicate a change of state or a process. For example, verbs like 増える (increase), 減る (decrease), or verbs conjugated with 〜てくる/〜ていく. Using it with a static verb like ある (to be) is incorrect unless modified.

The main difference is the level of formality. だんだん is a colloquial word used in everyday conversation. 次第に is more formal and is typically used in written Japanese, news broadcasts, and professional settings. Both mean 'gradually.'

次第に is a neutral word. It simply describes the speed and nature of a change. It can be used for positive changes, like recovering from an illness, or negative changes, like a worsening economic situation. The context provides the positive or negative connotation.

It is pronounced 'shi-da-i-ni'. The pitch accent is generally flat (heiban), meaning the pitch starts low on 'shi' and stays high for 'dai ni'. Ensure you pronounce each syllable clearly.

Yes, it can. While it usually comes right before the verb or adjective it modifies, placing it at the beginning of a sentence or clause can emphasize the gradual nature of the entire situation described. For example: '次第に、空が暗くなってきた。'

They share the same kanji and root meaning of 'order' or 'sequence,' but they function differently. 〜次第 (shida) is a suffix meaning 'as soon as' or 'depending on.' 次第に (shidai ni) is an adverb meaning 'gradually.' Do not confuse the two.

Yes, but the adjective must be conjugated to show a change. For i-adjectives, change the 'i' to 'ku naru' (e.g., 暑くなる). For na-adjectives, add 'ni naru' (e.g., 静かになる). You cannot say '次第に暑い'.

Think of the kanji: 次 (next) and 第 (order). Imagine taking things 'in order, to the next step.' This logical progression perfectly encapsulates the meaning of 'gradually' or 'step by step.'

Yes, it is a very common vocabulary word in the JLPT, typically appearing around the N3 or N4 level. It frequently shows up in reading comprehension passages and listening sections, especially in news or weather contexts.

While technically understandable, it is redundant because both words convey a similar idea of gradual or incremental change. It is better to choose one or the other depending on what you want to emphasize: time (次第に) or amount (少しずつ).

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