In 15 Seconds
- Making positive forward movement.
- Applies to skills, projects, and growth.
- Use for improvement, not just movement.
- Commonly paired with 'suru' (to do).
Meaning
This phrase means you're moving forward, getting better at something, or seeing development. It's that satisfying feeling when things are going well and you're improving. Think of it as leveling up, whether it's in a game, your career, or even a personal skill.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about learning Japanese
最近、日本語の勉強で少し進歩をした気がするよ！
Lately, I feel like I've made a little progress in my Japanese studies!
Job interview
前職では、担当プロジェクトにおいて目覚ましい進歩を遂げました。
In my previous role, I achieved remarkable progress in the project I was in charge of.
Instagram caption about a fitness journey
One month of consistent training! Feeling the progress. 💪 #fitnessjourney #進歩
One month of consistent training! Feeling the progress. 💪 #fitnessjourney #progress
Cultural Background
The concept of 'progress' (`進歩`) has been a significant theme in Japanese society, especially since the Meiji Restoration. Western ideas of modernization and advancement heavily influenced this. The phrase `進歩をする` reflects a cultural value placed on development and improvement, both individually and societally. It embodies the drive to modernize and become better, a mindset that has shaped Japan's history.
Verb Power!
Remember `進歩をする` is a noun + verb combo. The verb `する` (suru) is super common. You can also use `遂げる` (togeru - to achieve) for more formal or significant progress, like `進歩を遂げる`.
Growth Mindset
Japanese culture often emphasizes continuous improvement (`改善` - kaizen). `進歩をする` fits perfectly into this idea of striving to get better, both personally and collectively.
In 15 Seconds
- Making positive forward movement.
- Applies to skills, projects, and growth.
- Use for improvement, not just movement.
- Commonly paired with 'suru' (to do).
What It Means
進歩をする (shinpo o suru) is a super common way to say you're making progress. It's not just about moving forward; it's about *improvement*. You're getting better, stronger, or more skilled. It carries a positive vibe, like you're on the right track. It’s the opposite of being stuck or going backward. Think of it as a 'level up' moment in real life!
How To Use It
This phrase is pretty flexible. You can use it for skills, projects, or even personal growth. It pairs 進歩 (shinpo - progress) with the verb する (suru - to do). This する verb is a workhorse in Japanese. It attaches to many nouns to create new verbs. So, 進歩をする literally means 'to do progress'. You'll see it in many contexts, from casual chats to more formal reports.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine you're learning guitar. You finally nail that tricky chord! You might tell a friend, ギターの練習で進歩をしたよ！ (Guitar no renshuu de shinpo o shita yo!). That means you've made progress in your guitar practice. Or maybe your company launched a new app. The CEO might say in a meeting, このアプリは大きな進歩を遂げました。 (Kono apuri wa ookina shinpo o togema shita.). This means the app represents significant progress. It's all about showing positive movement and development.
When To Use It
Use 進歩をする when you want to highlight positive development. This could be your own skills getting better. It could be a project moving from idea to reality. It could be a field like technology or science advancing. You'd use it when you feel a sense of accomplishment. It's great for describing personal growth. It's also perfect for business updates or academic achievements. Basically, any time things are moving in a good direction, this phrase fits!
When NOT To Use It
Don't use 進歩をする for simple movement without improvement. If you just walk forward a few steps, that's not 進歩. If you change your phone plan to a slightly cheaper one, it might be a change, but not necessarily 進歩. Also, avoid it for negative changes. If your grades drop, you're not making 進歩. This phrase is strictly for positive advancement. Using it for neutral or negative changes would sound strange, like saying you're 'progressing' backward.
Common Mistakes
A common slip-up is using the wrong verb or noun. Sometimes learners mix up 進歩 (shinpo - progress) with 発展 (hatten - development/expansion). While related, 発展 often implies growth or expansion in scale. Another mistake is using a verb that doesn't fit. For instance, saying 進歩を食べる (shinpo o taberu - to eat progress) makes zero sense! It's like trying to 'eat' your improvement. Stick to する (suru) or 遂げる (togeru - to achieve) for verbs.
Similar Expressions
There are other ways to talk about moving forward. 良くなる (yoku naru) means 'to become better'. It's simpler and focuses on the state of being better. 上達する (joutatsu suru) specifically means 'to improve a skill'. If you're talking about mastering a craft, 上達する is perfect. 成長する (seichou suru) means 'to grow', often used for personal growth or the growth of a business. 進歩をする is a bit more general and covers broader development.
Common Variations
You'll often hear 進歩した (shinpo shita), the past tense. This is super common when recounting achievements. For example, この一年でたくさん進歩した。 (Kono ichinen de takusan shinpo shita.) - I made a lot of progress this year. Sometimes, 進歩が見られる (shinpo ga mirareru) is used, meaning 'progress can be seen'. This is a bit more formal. For very significant progress, you might see 飛躍的な進歩 (hiyakuteki na shinpo), meaning 'leaping progress'.
Memory Trick
Think of a 'Shin'ny 'Po'ny. This pony is always advancing and improving its racing skills! Every time you see 進歩をする, picture that shiny pony making progress. The 進 (shin) looks a bit like a fork in the road, showing you're choosing a path forward. The 歩 (po) is literally 'step' or 'walk'. So, you're taking steps forward, making progress!
Quick FAQ
Q. Is 進歩をする formal or informal?
A. It's generally neutral. You can use it in most situations. It's not super casual but not overly stiff either. Good for everyday conversations and most work settings.
Q. Can I use it for technology?
A. Absolutely! Tech is a prime example of 進歩. You'd say things like AIの進歩は目覚ましい (AI no shinpo wa mezamashii) - The progress of AI is remarkable.
Q. What if I'm going backward?
A. You'd use the opposite idea. Words like 後退 (koutai - regression) or 退化 (taika - degeneration) apply. 進歩 is strictly for moving ahead!
Usage Notes
The phrase `進歩をする` is quite versatile and generally neutral in formality. While it can be used in formal contexts, avoid overly casual slang when using it in professional settings. Be mindful not to confuse it with `発展` (hatten), which implies broader development or expansion rather than specific skill improvement or forward movement.
Verb Power!
Remember `進歩をする` is a noun + verb combo. The verb `する` (suru) is super common. You can also use `遂げる` (togeru - to achieve) for more formal or significant progress, like `進歩を遂げる`.
Growth Mindset
Japanese culture often emphasizes continuous improvement (`改善` - kaizen). `進歩をする` fits perfectly into this idea of striving to get better, both personally and collectively.
Don't Mix Up!
Avoid confusing `進歩` (progress) with `発展` (hatten - development/expansion). While related, `発展` often implies growth in scale or scope (like a city developing), while `進歩` focuses more on moving forward or improving quality/skill.
Past Tense is Key
You'll often hear or use the past tense: `進歩をした` (shinpo o shita). It’s great for reflecting on how far you've come since you started something!
Examples
12最近、日本語の勉強で少し進歩をした気がするよ！
Lately, I feel like I've made a little progress in my Japanese studies!
The past tense `進歩をした` (shinpo o shita) is used here. It's a common way to share personal progress.
前職では、担当プロジェクトにおいて目覚ましい進歩を遂げました。
In my previous role, I achieved remarkable progress in the project I was in charge of.
`遂げました` (togema shita) is a more formal verb for 'achieved' or 'accomplished', often used in professional contexts.
One month of consistent training! Feeling the progress. 💪 #fitnessjourney #進歩
One month of consistent training! Feeling the progress. 💪 #fitnessjourney #progress
Using `進歩` as a hashtag is common, especially when the context implies improvement.
この新しいソフトウェアは、以前のバージョンから大きな進歩がありましたね。
This new software shows significant progress from the previous version.
This highlights improvement in a product or technology.
うちの子、最近言葉をたくさん覚えるようになって、すごく進歩をしているんです。
My child has been learning a lot of words lately, they're really making progress.
Used here to describe developmental progress in a child.
毎日ゲームでレベルアップしてるけど、現実世界では全然進歩をしていない気がする…。
I level up in games every day, but I feel like I'm not making any progress in the real world...
A lighthearted, relatable contrast between virtual and real-life progress.
✗ このアプリは進歩をしました。 → ✓ このアプリは進歩をしました。
✗ This app made progress. → ✓ This app made progress.
While `しました` (shimashita) is the past tense of `する`, the sentence structure here is slightly awkward. A more natural phrasing would be 'このアプリは進歩が見られます' (progress can be seen) or 'このアプリは進歩しました' (this app progressed). The original sentence is grammatically correct but less idiomatic.
✗ 彼の進歩はすごいです。 → ✓ 彼の進歩はすごいです。
✗ His progress is amazing. → ✓ His progress is amazing.
This is actually a correct sentence. The mistake would be using a word that doesn't fit the context of 'progress'. For instance, using `退歩` (taihō - regression) instead of `進歩`.
近年、AI技術の進歩は目覚ましいものがあります。
In recent years, the progress of AI technology has been remarkable.
This is a common way to discuss advancements in fields like science and technology.
料理の腕前、最近ちょっと進歩したんじゃない？
Haven't your cooking skills improved a bit recently?
This is a friendly question, implying the speaker has noticed positive changes.
この一年、色々な経験を通して、自分自身が大きく進歩したと感じています。
Through various experiences this past year, I feel that I myself have made great progress.
Focuses on internal, personal development and growth.
この新しいデザインは、前のものよりずっと進歩しているね。
This new design is much more advanced than the previous one.
Highlights improvement and advancement in design or features.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
The sentence talks about remarkable improvement in language studies, which is best described by '進歩' (progress).
Find and fix the error.
The phrase '遅れをしています' (okure o shite imasu) is not standard. '遅れが出ている' (okure ga dete iru) means 'a delay is occurring' or 'falling behind', which is the opposite of progress.
Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.
Which sentence correctly uses the idea of progress?
'進歩をする' (shinpo o suru) means to make progress. The other options use verbs that don't make sense with 'progress'.
Translate this sentence.
The sentence indicates steady and positive movement in the project.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word.
The context '長年の努力が実を結び' (years of effort bore fruit) implies a positive outcome, making '進歩' (progress) the most fitting word.
Find and fix the error.
While '進歩' means progress, '初期の進歩段階' (early progress stage) is redundant. '初期の段階' (early stage) is sufficient and more natural when discussing nascent technology.
Put the words in the correct order.
This sentence means 'To make a lot of progress in studies'. The adverb 'たくさん' modifies the verb phrase '進歩する'.
Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.
Which sentence best describes making progress in a skill?
'進歩を遂げる' (shinpo o togeru) means to achieve progress, often used for significant accomplishments in skills or projects. The other options are less idiomatic or incorrect.
Translate this sentence.
This sentence highlights the crucial role of education in societal development.
Match the Japanese phrase with its English meaning.
Understanding the nuances between these related terms helps you choose the most accurate expression.
Put the words in the correct order.
This translates to 'Show great technological progress'. It's a concise statement, often seen in headlines or summaries.
Match the phrase describing progress with its specific nuance.
These variations offer different levels of intensity and formality when discussing progress.
🎉 Score: /12
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 進歩をする
Rarely used here, might sound stiff.
マジで進歩したわ！ (Majide shinpo shita wa!)
Common in casual conversation with friends.
最近、勉強で進歩したよ！ (Saikin, benkyou de shinpo shita yo!)
Standard usage, suitable for most situations.
この技術は大きな進歩を遂げました。 (Kono gijutsu wa ookina shinpo o togeta.)
Used in reports, presentations, or official statements.
我が社は着実な進歩を続けております。 (Wagasha wa chakujitsu na shinpo o tsuzukete orimasu.)
Where You'll Hear 進歩をする
Learning a new language
語学学習で進歩した。
Developing a skill (coding, art, music)
プログラミングスキルが進歩した。
Business project updates
プロジェクトは順調に進歩している。
Personal growth/self-improvement
自分自身の進歩を感じる。
Technological advancements
AIの進歩はすごい。
Scientific research
医学の進歩が期待される。
進歩をする vs. Similar Expressions
Scenarios for Using 進歩
Personal Development
- • Learning a language
- • Improving fitness
- • Developing a hobby
- • Overcoming bad habits
Professional Life
- • Project milestones
- • Career advancement
- • Skill acquisition at work
- • Company growth
Technology & Science
- • New inventions
- • Software updates
- • Medical breakthroughs
- • AI development
Education
- • Student learning
- • Research findings
- • Curriculum development
- • Academic achievements
Practice Bank
12 exercises彼女は語学の勉強で目覚ましい ___ をしました。
The sentence talks about remarkable improvement in language studies, which is best described by '進歩' (progress).
Find and fix the mistake:
私の日本語はまだ遅れをしています。
The phrase '遅れをしています' (okure o shite imasu) is not standard. '遅れが出ている' (okure ga dete iru) means 'a delay is occurring' or 'falling behind', which is the opposite of progress.
Which sentence correctly uses the idea of progress?
'進歩をする' (shinpo o suru) means to make progress. The other options use verbs that don't make sense with 'progress'.
このプロジェクトは順調に進歩しています。
Hints: 順調 (junchou) means smoothly or favorably., 進歩しています is the progressive form of 'to progress'.
The sentence indicates steady and positive movement in the project.
長年の努力が実を結び、ついに ___ を見ることができた。
The context '長年の努力が実を結び' (years of effort bore fruit) implies a positive outcome, making '進歩' (progress) the most fitting word.
Find and fix the mistake:
その技術はまだ初期の進歩段階にあります。
While '進歩' means progress, '初期の進歩段階' (early progress stage) is redundant. '初期の段階' (early stage) is sufficient and more natural when discussing nascent technology.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
This sentence means 'To make a lot of progress in studies'. The adverb 'たくさん' modifies the verb phrase '進歩する'.
Which sentence best describes making progress in a skill?
'進歩を遂げる' (shinpo o togeru) means to achieve progress, often used for significant accomplishments in skills or projects. The other options are less idiomatic or incorrect.
社会の進歩には教育が不可欠だ。
Hints: 社会 (shakai) means society., 不可欠 (fukaketsu) means indispensable or essential.
This sentence highlights the crucial role of education in societal development.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Understanding the nuances between these related terms helps you choose the most accurate expression.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
This translates to 'Show great technological progress'. It's a concise statement, often seen in headlines or summaries.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These variations offer different levels of intensity and formality when discussing progress.
🎉 Score: /12
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
18 questionsLiterally, 進歩 (shinpo) means 'advance' or 'progress', and をする (o suru) means 'to do'. So, it translates to 'to do progress'. This structure is common in Japanese where nouns combine with する to form verbs.
It's generally considered neutral. You can use it in most everyday conversations and also in more formal settings like business meetings or reports without sounding out of place. It's a versatile phrase for talking about positive development.
Yes, absolutely! You can talk about your own personal growth or emotional progress. For example, you might say 精神的に進歩をした (seishinteki ni shinpo o shita), meaning you feel you've made mental or emotional progress.
進歩をする is a broader term for progress or advancement in general. 上達する specifically refers to improving a skill, like getting better at playing the piano or speaking a language. Think of 進歩 as moving forward, and 上達 as mastering a craft.
進歩をする is perfect for technology! You'd often say things like AIの進歩は目覚ましい (AI no shinpo wa mezamashii - The progress of AI is remarkable) or 技術が進歩した (gijutsu ga shinpo shita - technology has progressed). It's a very common context for this phrase.
No, definitely not. 進歩をする strictly implies positive forward movement and improvement. If something is getting worse or declining, you would use different words like 後退 (koutai - regression) or 退化 (taika - degeneration).
The kanji 進 (shin) means 'to advance', 'to proceed', or 'to progress'. It visually suggests moving forward, perhaps like stepping forward into a new area or stage. It sets the tone for forward momentum.
The kanji 歩 (ho) means 'step', 'walk', or 'stroll'. When combined with 進, it reinforces the idea of moving forward step by step, emphasizing the journey of progress rather than just the destination.
Yes, while 進歩をする is neutral, you might see 進歩を遂げる (shinpo o togeru - to achieve progress) used in more formal writing or speeches. Also, phrases like 発展 (hatten - development) can sometimes be used depending on the context, especially for large-scale growth.
In a casual text, you'd likely use the past tense: 進歩した！ (Shinpo shita!) or ちょっと進歩したよ (Chotto shinpo shita yo - I made a little progress!). Adding particles like ね (ne) or よ (yo) makes it sound more natural and friendly.
A frequent error is using the wrong verb with 進歩. For example, saying 進歩を食べる (to eat progress) or 進歩を寝る (to sleep progress) makes no sense! Always stick to する (to do) or 遂げる (to achieve) for verbs related to progress.
You would use the opposite concept. The word 後退 (koutai) means regression or going backward. So, instead of 進歩をする, you might talk about 後退をする (koutai o suru) or simply 後退した (koutai shita - it regressed).
Yes, it's commonly used for societal progress. You might hear or read sentences like 社会の進歩 (shakai no shinpo - societal progress) or 人類の進歩 (jinrui no shinpo - human progress). It reflects the idea of humanity or society moving forward.
進歩が見られる translates to 'progress can be seen' or 'progress is observable'. It's often used in more objective or formal contexts, like reporting on research findings or the development of a project, highlighting that the progress is evident.
Yes! You can use phrases like 飛躍的な進歩 (hiyakuteki na shinpo), which means 'leaping progress' or 'dramatic advancement'. This emphasizes a sudden, significant jump forward, not just gradual improvement.
If you mean a neutral change, use the word 変化 (henka). For example, 状況が変化した (joukyou ga henka shita - the situation changed). 進歩 specifically implies a positive change or improvement.
While technically possible, it's more common to use specific gaming terms like レベルアップ (reberu appu - level up) or 強くなる (tsuyoku naru - to become stronger). 進歩をする might sound a bit too formal or serious for a game context unless you're discussing the game's overall development.
進歩 (shinpo) focuses on moving forward, improving quality, or advancing in skill/knowledge. 発展 (hatten) often implies growth in scale, scope, or complexity, like the development of a city or economy. Think of 進歩 as getting better, and 発展 as getting bigger or more complex.
Related Phrases
上達する
related topicto improve a skill
This phrase is closely related as it specifically denotes improvement in a skill, which is a type of progress.
良くなる
related topicto become better
This is a more general term for improvement, covering states and conditions, whereas 進歩をする implies active forward movement.
成長する
related topicto grow
Often used for personal growth or the expansion of businesses, it's related to progress but emphasizes development over time.
発展
related topicdevelopment, expansion
This term focuses more on growth in scale or complexity, often for economies or societies, compared to the skill-based improvement of 進歩をする.
改善
related topicimprovement
This emphasizes making something better by fixing flaws or inefficiencies, often applied to processes or systems, aligning with the idea of progress.
後退する
antonymto regress, to retreat
This is the direct opposite of 進歩をする, indicating a movement backward or a decline, rather than forward advancement.
