Meaning and Usage
"段々" (だんだん) is an adverb meaning "gradually" or "by degrees." It is commonly used in everyday conversation to describe a change or development that happens slowly over time. It often appears in casual and polite speech.
Common Collocations
- 段々寒くなる (だんだんさむくなる): gradually getting colder
- 段々良くなる (だんだんよくなる): gradually getting better
- 段々と変わる (だんだんとかわる): gradually changing
These collocations emphasize a slow progression or change.
Usage Notes
"段々" can be used with or without the particle "と" (だんだん or だんだんと), with little difference in meaning. It is often used with verbs that describe change, such as "なる" (to become) or "変わる" (to change).
Learners sometimes confuse "段々" with "だんだん" written in kanji or hiragana, but both are correct. Also, avoid using "段々" to describe sudden changes; it implies a slow, steady process.
Register
"段々" is neutral and appropriate in both casual and polite contexts, making it very versatile for daily conversation.