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A2 adverb #1,500 le plus courant 6 min de lecture

서서히

Top 1,500

At the A1 level, you can think of '서서히' as a slightly more advanced way to say 'slowly.' While you usually learn '천천히' first for things like walking or talking, '서서히' is used for things that happen on their own, like the sun going down or a flower growing. It's a good word to know for describing nature or simple changes. For example, if you want to say 'The sun is setting slowly,' you use '서서히.' It helps you sound more natural when talking about the world around you. You don't need to worry about complex grammar with this word; just put it before the action verb. It's like 'little by little' but in a smooth way. Even at this basic level, using '서서히' instead of '천천히' when talking about the weather will make your Korean sound much better. Just remember: use '천천히' for people doing things slowly, and '서서히' for things changing slowly by themselves.

At the A2 level, you should start distinguishing between '서서히' and '천천히.' You will encounter '서서히' in simple reading passages about the seasons or daily routines. It's used to describe gradual changes that aren't sudden. For instance, '날씨가 서서히 따뜻해져요' (The weather is gradually getting warmer). This level focuses on using the word to describe environmental changes and physical movements that have a 'flow.' You might see it in basic news headlines or weather forecasts. It's also useful for describing how you feel—for example, if you are starting to like a new hobby, you could say your interest is '서서히' growing. Understanding that '서서히' implies a process is the key goal at this stage. It's an adverb, so it doesn't change its form, making it easy to plug into your sentences. Practice using it with verbs like '변하다' (to change) or '지다' (to set/fall).

At the B1 level, you can use '서서히' to describe more abstract concepts like social trends, economic shifts, or the development of relationships. You'll notice it often appears with the '-아/어 가다' or '-아/어 지다' grammar patterns, which emphasize an ongoing process. For example, '두 사람의 관계가 서서히 깊어졌다' (The relationship between the two gradually deepened). At this stage, you should be able to choose between '서서히,' '점차,' and '차츰' depending on the context, though they are often interchangeable. '서서히' remains the most descriptive and slightly more literary choice. You will hear it in documentaries or more detailed news reports. It's also common in storytelling to build a sense of atmosphere. When writing essays, using '서서히' to describe a transition helps create a smoother flow in your writing. It shows you understand the nuance of time and progression beyond just simple speed.

At the B2 level, '서서히' becomes a tool for precision in description. You should be comfortable using it in formal writing and academic contexts to describe steady, non-volatile changes. It is frequently used in business reports to describe market recoveries or in scientific texts to describe gradual reactions. You'll also find it in more complex literature where it's used to describe internal psychological changes or the subtle shifting of power. For example, '그의 영향력이 서서히 줄어들기 시작했다' (His influence began to gradually wane). At this level, you should also recognize its use in idiomatic or semi-idiomatic expressions. You might notice how it contrasts with '급격히' (rapidly) in comparative sentences. Your ability to use '서서히' to describe a 'gentle but steady' pace will distinguish your speech from those who rely solely on more basic adverbs. It adds a layer of sophistication and clarity to your descriptions of complex phenomena.

At the C1 level, you will appreciate the rhythmic and atmospheric qualities of '서서히.' In high-level literature and philosophical texts, this word is used to describe the slow march of time, the fading of memories, or the gradual erosion of values. It's not just an adverb of speed; it's an adverb of quality. You should be able to use it to create specific tones in your writing—perhaps a sense of melancholy or a sense of inevitable progress. For example, '기억은 서서히 풍화되어 사라져 갔다' (Memories gradually weathered away and disappeared). You will also encounter it in legal or political discourse to describe the 'gradual' implementation of policies. At this level, you should be able to explain the subtle difference between '서서히' and its more clinical synonym '점진적으로' (progressively). Using '서서히' in a speech or a formal presentation can help you pace your delivery and emphasize the steady nature of the topic you are discussing.

At the C2 level, '서서히' is a word you use with complete mastery of its stylistic implications. You understand how it functions within the broader architecture of a sentence to control the reader's or listener's perception of time. You might use it in a poetic sense to describe the '서서히' unfolding of a complex argument or the '서서히' shifting paradigms of a civilization. It is used in the most formal and sophisticated Korean, such as presidential speeches or deep philosophical treatises. You can distinguish its use from '만만히' or '유유히' in very specific contexts. For a C2 learner, '서서히' is no longer just a vocabulary word; it's a brushstroke used to paint a precise picture of movement and change. You might explore its use in classical literature or contemporary high-art films where the pacing is deliberately '서서히' to evoke a specific emotional response. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, utilizing the word to convey both meaning and mood simultaneously.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

서서히 en 30 secondes

An adverb meaning 'gradually' or 'slowly,' focusing on a steady process.
Used for natural changes like weather, growth, or emotional shifts.
Different from '천천히' (speed) as it emphasizes the flow of change.
Common in formal reports, literature, and descriptive daily speech.

The Korean adverb 서서히 (seoseohi) is a beautiful, evocative word that describes an action or a change occurring at a slow, steady, and gentle pace. Unlike words that simply denote a lack of speed, 서서히 carries a nuance of progression—it suggests a process that unfolds naturally over time, often without a sudden break or interruption. It is the linguistic equivalent of a sunset or the slow melting of ice in spring.

Core Concept: The primary essence of '서서히' is gradualness. It is used when a state changes from A to B through a series of almost imperceptible steps. It emphasizes the continuity of the movement rather than just the slowness.

해가 지평선 너머로 서서히 저물어 갔다. (The sun gradually set beyond the horizon.)

Visual Imagery: Imagine a thick fog lifting from a valley or a flower blooming over several hours. These are the types of natural, rhythmic processes that '서서히' describes perfectly. It is less about a person choosing to walk slowly (which would be '천천히') and more about the nature of the event itself being gradual.

병세가 서서히 호전되고 있습니다. (The patient's condition is gradually improving.)

Emotional Resonance: In literature, this word is often used to build atmosphere. It creates a sense of calm, inevitability, or even suspense, depending on the context. When feelings '서서히' change, it implies a deep-seated transformation rather than a fickle whim.

그녀의 얼굴에 서서히 미소가 번졌다. (A smile gradually spread across her face.)

물가가 서서히 오르기 시작했다. (Prices began to rise gradually.)

기차가 역을 서서히 떠났다. (The train slowly left the station.)

Using 서서히 correctly involves understanding its role as an adverb that modifies verbs of change, movement, or state. It is highly versatile but thrives in contexts where 'gradualness' is the key focus. It is often placed directly before the verb it modifies, though its position can be flexible for stylistic emphasis.

Grammatical Placement: As an adverb, it does not require any conjugation. You simply place it before the predicate. For example: '서서히 걷다' (to walk slowly/gradually) or '서서히 변하다' (to change gradually).

얼음이 서서히 녹고 있다. (The ice is gradually melting.)

Collocation with Verbs of Change: It pairs exceptionally well with verbs ending in '-아/어 가다' (to keep doing/to become) or '-아/어 지다' (to become). These combinations emphasize the ongoing nature of the change.

날씨가 서서히 추워지고 있어요. (The weather is gradually getting colder.)

Formal vs. Informal: While '서서히' is perfectly fine in daily conversation, it has a slightly more formal or literary tone compared to '천천히'. You will see it frequently in news broadcasts, documentaries, and novels.

경제 지표가 서서히 회복세를 보이고 있습니다. (Economic indicators are gradually showing a recovery trend.)

그는 서서히 눈을 떴다. (He slowly opened his eyes.)

안개가 서서히 걷히기 시작했다. (The fog began to clear gradually.)

You will encounter 서서히 in a variety of settings, ranging from high-brow literature to everyday weather reports. Its ability to describe smooth transitions makes it a favorite for narrators and journalists alike. Understanding these contexts will help you grasp the 'vibe' of the word.

Nature and Science Documentaries: Narrators use '서서히' to describe geological changes, the growth of plants, or the movement of celestial bodies. It conveys the patience and grandeur of nature.

빙하가 서서히 녹아내리고 있습니다. (The glaciers are gradually melting away.)

News and Economic Reports: When discussing inflation, stock market trends, or demographic shifts, '서서히' is the standard term for a non-abrupt change. It sounds objective and professional.

금리가 서서히 인상될 것으로 보입니다. (It appears that interest rates will be gradually increased.)

Literature and Poetry: Authors use '서서히' to set a mood. It describes the creeping of shadows, the fading of light, or the slow realization of a truth. It adds a layer of lyricism to the prose.

어둠이 방 안으로 서서히 스며들었다. (Darkness gradually seeped into the room.)

숨을 서서히 내뱉으세요. (Exhale slowly/gradually.)

관중들이 서서히 빠져나갔다. (The crowd gradually filtered out.)

While 서서히 is relatively straightforward, learners often confuse it with other adverbs that mean 'slowly' or 'little by little.' Distinguishing between these nuances is key to sounding like a native speaker.

Mistake 1: Confusing with '천천히' (Cheoncheonhi): This is the most common error. '천천히' refers to the speed of an action, often controlled by the person. '서서히' refers to the gradual nature of a process. You say '천천히 말하세요' (Speak slowly), not '서서히 말하세요'.

Incorrect: 밥을 서서히 드세요. (Eat gradually - sounds weird)
Correct: 밥을 천천히 드세요. (Eat slowly.)

Mistake 2: Overusing it for Quantities: While '서서히' can imply quantity changes, '조금씩' (little by little) is more common when talking about physical amounts. '서서히' is more about the flow of the change.

Incorrect: 돈을 서서히 모으고 있어요. (Sounds like the money is growing by itself)
Correct: 돈을 조금씩 모으고 있어요. (I am saving money little by little.)

Mistake 3: Using it for Abrupt Changes: By definition, '서서히' cannot be used for anything sudden. If a car stops suddenly, you use '갑자기'. If it slows down to a stop over a long distance, you use '서서히'.

차가 서서히 멈췄다. (The car came to a gradual stop.)

그는 서서히 고개를 돌려 나를 보았다. (He slowly turned his head and looked at me.)

꽃이 서서히 시들어 갔다. (The flower gradually withered away.)

Korean has several words for 'slowly' or 'gradually.' Understanding the subtle differences between 서서히 and its synonyms will elevate your fluency.

서서히 vs. 천천히 (Cheoncheonhi): 천천히 is about low speed (e.g., walking slowly). 서서히 is about a gradual process (e.g., the sky getting dark). Use '천천히' for actions you control; use '서서히' for processes that unfold.

서서히 vs. 점차 (Jeomcha): 점차 (gradually/increasingly) is often used in more formal or academic contexts to describe a trend that is moving in a certain direction. It is very similar to '서서히' but feels slightly more clinical or data-oriented.

인구가 점차 줄어들고 있다. (The population is gradually decreasing.)

서서히 vs. 차츰 (Chacheum): 차츰 is almost identical to '서서히' and '점차'. However, '차츰' often implies a sequence of stages (step by step). '서서히' feels more like a continuous, smooth flow.

비가 차츰 그치기 시작했다. (The rain gradually began to stop.)

서서히 vs. 조금씩 (Jogeumssik): 조금씩 literally means 'a little at a time.' It is more focused on the amount or increment of change rather than the speed or smoothness of the process.

설탕을 조금씩 넣으세요. (Add sugar little by little.)

그는 서서히 무대 중앙으로 걸어 나왔다. (He slowly walked to the center of the stage.)

구름이 서서히 걷히고 해가 났다. (The clouds gradually cleared and the sun came out.)

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Informel

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

해가 서서히 져요.

The sun sets slowly.

Simple present tense with the adverb '서서히'.

꽃이 서서히 피어요.

The flower blooms slowly.

Describing a natural process.

배가 서서히 움직여요.

The boat moves slowly.

Focusing on the smooth movement of the boat.

눈이 서서히 녹아요.

The snow melts slowly.

Describing a change of state.

기차가 서서히 떠나요.

The train leaves slowly.

Movement starting from a stop.

구름이 서서히 가요.

The clouds go (move) slowly.

Using '가다' to mean movement.

불이 서서히 꺼져요.

The light/fire goes out slowly.

Describing a process ending.

바람이 서서히 불어요.

The wind blows slowly (gently).

Describing the intensity of nature.

날씨가 서서히 따뜻해지고 있어요.

The weather is gradually getting warmer.

-아/어 지고 있다 indicates a continuing change.

차가 서서히 멈췄습니다.

The car stopped slowly.

Past tense of a gradual action.

한국어 실력이 서서히 늘고 있어요.

My Korean skills are gradually improving.

Using '늘다' for skill improvement.

안개가 서서히 사라졌어요.

The fog disappeared slowly.

Describing a visual change.

그는 서서히 잠이 들었습니다.

He gradually fell asleep.

Describing a transition of state.

물이 서서히 끓기 시작해요.

The water is starting to boil slowly.

-기 시작하다 with the adverb.

아이들이 서서히 자라요.

Children grow up gradually.

Describing a long-term process.

음악 소리가 서서히 커졌어요.

The sound of the music gradually got louder.

Describing a change in volume.

두 사람은 서서히 서로를 이해하게 되었다.

The two people gradually came to understand each other.

-게 되다 indicates a change in state or realization.

상처가 서서히 아물고 있습니다.

The wound is gradually healing.

Describing a biological process.

그의 비밀이 서서히 밝혀졌다.

His secret was gradually revealed.

Passive voice '밝혀지다' with the adverb.

경제 상황이 서서히 나아지고 있다.

The economic situation is gradually improving.

Describing a macro-level change.

그녀는 서서히 고개를 끄덕였다.

She slowly nodded her head.

Describing a deliberate physical action.

어둠이 서서히 도시를 덮었다.

Darkness gradually covered the city.

Metaphorical use of '덮다'.

새로운 환경에 서서히 적응하고 있어요.

I am gradually adjusting to the new environment.

Using '적응하다' for adaptation.

긴장이 서서히 풀리기 시작했다.

The tension gradually began to ease.

Describing an internal emotional shift.

전통적인 가치관이 서서히 변해가고 있다.

Traditional values are gradually changing.

-아/어 가다 emphasizes a continuing trend into the future.

환자의 의식이 서서히 돌아왔습니다.

The patient's consciousness gradually returned.

Medical context for recovery.

그 정책의 효과가 서서히 나타나고 있다.

The effects of that policy are gradually appearing.

Describing the manifestation of results.

그는 서서히 자신의 야망을 드러냈다.

He gradually revealed his ambition.

Describing a strategic reveal.

물가가 서서히 오르면서 서민들의 삶이 힘들어졌다.

As prices rose gradually, the lives of ordinary people became difficult.

Using -(으)면서 to connect cause and effect.

빙하가 녹으면서 해수면이 서서히 상승하고 있다.

As glaciers melt, sea levels are gradually rising.

Scientific description of environmental change.

그의 목소리는 서서히 떨리기 시작했다.

His voice gradually began to tremble.

Describing a physical manifestation of emotion.

군중들은 서서히 광장을 빠져나갔다.

The crowd gradually filtered out of the square.

Describing collective movement.

오래된 기억들이 서서히 희미해져 갔다.

Old memories gradually faded away.

Literary description of memory loss.

그의 문체는 서서히 독창적인 색깔을 갖추기 시작했다.

His writing style gradually began to take on a unique color.

Describing artistic development.

사회의 분위기가 서서히 보수적으로 변하고 있다.

The atmosphere of society is gradually becoming conservative.

Describing a shift in social climate.

그녀의 눈에 서서히 눈물이 고였다.

Tears gradually welled up in her eyes.

Describing a subtle emotional physical response.

기술의 발전은 우리의 삶을 서서히 잠식하고 있다.

Technological advancement is gradually encroaching upon our lives.

Using '잠식하다' (encroach/eat away) for a strong nuance.

그는 서서히 평정심을 되찾았다.

He gradually regained his composure.

Describing a return to a psychological state.

계절의 변화는 서서히, 그러나 확실하게 찾아온다.

The change of seasons comes gradually, but surely.

Using '그러나' for emphasis and contrast.

그의 주장은 서서히 설득력을 얻기 시작했다.

His argument gradually began to gain persuasiveness.

Describing the acceptance of an idea.

우주의 팽창은 서서히 가속화되고 있다는 것이 정설이다.

It is an established theory that the expansion of the universe is gradually accelerating.

Academic/Scientific discourse.

권력의 중심이 서서히 신흥 세력에게로 이동하고 있었다.

The center of power was gradually shifting toward emerging forces.

Political/Historical analysis.

인간의 존엄성이 서서히 훼손되는 과정을 목격하고 있다.

We are witnessing the process of human dignity being gradually eroded.

Philosophical/Social critique.

그의 작품 세계는 서서히 허무주의로 경도되었다.

His world of work gradually leaned toward nihilism.

Artistic/Literary criticism.

문화적 정체성은 서서히 형성되는 것이지 강요될 수 있는 것이 아니다.

Cultural identity is something that is formed gradually, not something that can be forced.

Complex sentence structure with a philosophical point.

빙하기의 도래는 서서히 지구의 생태계를 바꾸어 놓았다.

The advent of the Ice Age gradually changed the Earth's ecosystem.

Historical/Geological description.

그의 눈빛에는 서서히 광기가 서리기 시작했다.

A hint of madness gradually began to appear in his eyes.

Highly descriptive/Literary expression.

진리는 서서히 그 모습을 드러내는 법이다.

Truth has a way of gradually revealing itself.

Using the '-는 법이다' pattern for universal truths.

Collocations courantes

서서히 변하다 (to change gradually)

서서히 나타나다 (to appear gradually)

서서히 사라지다 (to disappear gradually)

서서히 오르다 (to rise gradually)

서서히 줄어들다 (to decrease gradually)

서서히 걷다 (to walk slowly/gradually)

서서히 다가오다 (to approach slowly)

서서히 잊혀지다 (to be gradually forgotten)

서서히 밝아지다 (to brighten gradually)

서서히 어두워지다 (to darken gradually)

Phrases Courantes

서서히 시작하다 (to start gradually)

서서히 끝내다 (to finish gradually)

서서히 움직이다 (to move slowly)

서서히 좋아지다 (to get better gradually)

서서히 나빠지다 (to get worse gradually)

서서히 익숙해지다 (to get used to gradually)

서서히 드러나다 (to be revealed gradually)

서서히 멈추다 (to stop gradually)

서서히 퍼지다 (to spread gradually)

서서히 가라앉다 (to sink/settle gradually)

Souvent confondu avec

서서히 vs 천천히

Refers to physical speed (walking, talking). '서서히' refers to a gradual process.

서서히 vs 조금씩

Refers to quantity or small increments. '서서히' refers to the flow of time/change.

서서히 vs 점차

More formal and often used for statistical or social trends.

Expressions idiomatiques

Facile à confondre

서서히 vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

nuance

Implies a smooth, continuous flow without sudden jumps.

restriction

Not used for speed control by a person (e.g., 'Drive slowly' is '천천히 운전하세요').

Erreurs courantes

Using '서서히' for 'Eat slowly' (천천히 드세요).
Using '서서히' for 'Drive slowly' (천천히 운전하세요).
Confusing '서서히' with '갑자기' (the opposite).
Thinking '서서히' only applies to speed, ignoring the 'gradual' nuance.
Using '서서히' in place of '조금씩' when referring to countable items.

Astuces

Natural Contexts

Use '서서히' when describing nature, like the sun, moon, clouds, or seasons. It sounds much more native than '천천히' in these cases.

Pairing with Verbs

Try pairing '서서히' with verbs like '변하다' (change), '사라지다' (disappear), or '나타나다' (appear) for the most natural results.

Sounding Sophisticated

Using '서서히' instead of '조금씩' when talking about your progress in a hobby makes you sound more advanced and thoughtful.

Atmosphere Building

In creative writing, use '서서히' to slow down the pace of a scene and build tension or a calm mood.

News Vocabulary

When you hear '서서히' on the news, it's almost always followed by a trend like 'rising prices' or 'improving economy'.

Double 'Seo'

Think of the two 'Seo's as two slow steps. Step... step... gradually moving forward.

Avoid Commands

Remember not to use it for 'Please do X slowly' (commands). Stick to '천천히' for that.

Process vs. Speed

Always ask yourself: Is this a process (서서히) or just a slow speed (천천히)?

Common Ending

It often goes with '-아/어 지다'. Memorize '서서히 좋아지다' (to get better gradually) as a set phrase.

Professional Tone

In a business meeting, use '서서히' to describe project progress to sound more professional.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Sino-Korean / Native hybrid

Contexte culturel

Frequently used in 'pure literature' (순수문학) to describe scenery and internal states.

Often used in self-care and mindfulness contexts in Korea today.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"요즘 날씨가 서서히 풀리는 것 같지 않아요? (Don't you think the weather is gradually getting warmer lately?)"

"한국 생활에 서서히 적응하고 계신가요? (Are you gradually adjusting to life in Korea?)"

"서서히 배가 고파지는데 뭐 먹을까요? (I'm gradually getting hungry; what should we eat?)"

"공부가 서서히 재미있어지고 있어요. (Studying is gradually becoming fun.)"

"드라마가 서서히 흥미진진해지네요. (The drama is gradually getting exciting.)"

Sujets d'écriture

당신의 삶에서 서서히 변하고 있는 것은 무엇인가요? (What is something that is gradually changing in your life?)

한국어 공부를 하면서 서서히 깨달은 점이 있나요? (Is there something you've gradually realized while studying Korean?)

서서히 좋아하게 된 음식이 있나요? (Is there a food you've gradually come to like?)

최근에 서서히 사라진 습관이 있나요? (Is there a habit that has gradually disappeared recently?)

서서히 이루고 싶은 목표는 무엇인가요? (What is a goal you want to achieve gradually?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, it's better to use '천천히'. '서서히' sounds like you're describing a slow-motion scene in a movie. If you say '서서히 걸으세요', it sounds very dramatic and unusual in daily life.

It can be used in both, but it has a slightly more formal and literary feel than '천천히'. You'll see it a lot in news and books.

'서서히' feels more descriptive and smooth, while '점차' feels more like a data-driven trend. They are often interchangeable, but '서서히' is more poetic.

Yes, it can. For example, '건강이 서서히 나빠졌다' (Health gradually got worse). It just describes the pace, not the quality of the change.

Yes, the '서' comes from the Hanja '徐' meaning slow. The reduplication makes it an adverb.

It's a light 'hi' sound. In fast speech, it might sound a bit like '서서이', but '서서히' is the standard pronunciation.

Usually no. Use '천천히' for eating slowly. '서서히' would imply the food is disappearing by itself gradually.

Very common! It's often used to describe feelings growing or fading away slowly.

The most direct opposite is '급격히' (rapidly) or '갑자기' (suddenly).

Yes, '차가 서서히 멈췄다' is a very natural and common sentence.