漸
漸·gradually, by degrees, steadily
- On-yomi
- ゼン
- Kun-yomi
- ようや(く)
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 漸次 | ぜんじ | gradually, by degrees |
| 漸進的 | ぜんしんてき | gradual, incremental |
| 漸減 | ぜんげん | gradual decrease |
| 漸増 | ぜんぞう | gradual increase |
Example sentences
景気は漸次回復しつつある。
けいきはぜんじかいふくしつつある。
The economy is gradually recovering.
改革は漸進的に進められた。
かいかくはぜんしんてきにすすめられた。
The reforms were carried out step by step.
この十年で人口は漸減している。
このじゅうねんでじんこうはぜんげんしている。
The population has been declining steadily over the past decade.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Reading 漸次 as ざんじ — that is 暫時 (for a while); 漸次 is ぜんじ
- Confusing 漸次 (gradually) with 逐次 (one after another)
Memory aid
Picture it
Water 氵 beside 斬, to cut: water cutting into rock a sliver at a time — change that arrives by degrees.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 4 of 5
What does the kanji 漸 mean?