zim6 zim6漸漸渐渐
Jyutpingzim6 zim6
Yalejihm jihm
Definition
Gradually; by degrees; bit by bit.
colloquialdescriptionstime
How it's used
While 漸漸 is perfectly acceptable in speech, Cantonese speakers often prefer using the reduplicated form 慢慢 to describe a process happening at a slow or gradual pace. Using 漸漸 can sound slightly more formal or literary compared to the more casual 慢慢. It is frequently used to describe natural transitions like changes in weather, aging, or the development of feelings.
Examples
The weather is gradually getting cooler, remember to add a layer.
After spending more time together, their relationship gradually improved.
Related words
Common phrases
gradually getting better
gradually turning cool
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 漸漸 with 慢慢. While they overlap in meaning, 慢慢 focuses more on the slowness or lack of rush in an action, whereas 漸漸 emphasizes the progressive, incremental nature of a change over time.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
