刻々(こっこく)

こっこく
adverb, taru-adjective
moment by moment; minute by minute
1. moment by moment; minute by minute
Describes something changing or progressing continuously with each passing moment. Emphasizes constant, ongoing change.
状況(じょうきょう)は刻々(こっこく)と変(か)わっている。
The situation is changing moment by moment.
刻々(こっこく)と迫(せま)る締(し)め切(き)りに追(お)われている。
I'm being chased by a deadline that's getting closer by the minute.
ニュースで刻々(こっこく)と情報(じょうほう)が入(はい)ってくる。
Information is coming in continuously through the news.

刻々(こっこく) emphasizes continuous change over time and is often used for urgent or evolving situations.

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 刻々(こっこく)と変(か)わる: to change moment by moment
  • 刻々(こっこく)と迫(せま)る: to approach steadily
  • 刻々(こっこく)と過(す)ぎる: to pass moment by moment

ETYMOLOGY:
刻(こく) originally referred to time units, so 刻々(こっこく) literally means "time period by time period."

general
Added 2026.1.16 23:51 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
05500/05898_kokkoku