だんだん
JLPT Level: N4
Meanings
Gradually
Little by little
Step by step
Usage
だんだん + 形容詞/動詞
だんだんと + 形容詞/動詞
だんだんと + なる/ていく
Explanation
だんだん is an adverb used to describe change that happens slowly over time. It emphasizes a gradual progression toward a new state, often contrasting with a sudden change. It can modify verbs and adjectives and is commonly used with intransitive verbs like なる or with actions that show gradual improvement, increase, or decrease. In casual speech, だんだん is often paired with と to signal a continuing trend.
だんだん暑くなってきた。
だんだんあつくなってきた。
It has gradually become hotter.
だんだん上手になってきた。
だんだんじょうずになってきた。
I’ve gotten better little by little.
だんだんと雨が強くなってきた。
だんだんとあめがつよくなってきた。
The rain has been getting stronger little by little.
だんだんと自信がついてきた。
だんだんと じしんが ついてきた。
My confidence has gradually started to grow.
だんだんと距離が縮まっていく。
だんだんときょりがちぢまっていく。
The distance is gradually closing.