adverb HSK 5
gradually · step by step · progressively
Meaning
逐步 describes doing something in stages or phases rather than all at once. It emphasizes a methodical, incremental progression toward a goal or completion. The word suggests careful advancement through distinct steps.
Usage
逐步 is commonly used in formal and written contexts, particularly in planning, policy, and business discussions. It often appears with verbs like 实现 (realize), 推进 (advance), 完善 (improve), or 发展 (develop) to describe systematic implementation or growth. It's more formal than 慢慢 (slowly).
Examples
- 01我们计划逐步扩大市场规模。.We plan to gradually expand our market scale.
- 02这个项目将逐步实施，预计需要三年时间。, .This project will be implemented step by step and is expected to take three years.
Characters
Common collocations
- 逐步实现gradually realize/achieve
- 逐步推进gradually advance/push forward
- 逐步完善gradually improve/perfect
- 逐步发展develop gradually
Antonyms
Origin
逐 originally meant to chase or pursue, and 步 means step. Together they literally mean 'pursuing step by step,' conveying the sense of advancing gradually through successive stages.