1.
to pile up, to stack
To physically place objects on top of each other in layers.
段ボール箱を積み重ねて収納した。
I stacked the cardboard boxes for storage.
2.
to accumulate, to build up
To gradually gather or amass things over time, especially abstract things like experience, effort, or achievements.
長年の努力を積み重ねて、やっと成功した。
After accumulating years of effort, I finally succeeded.
経験を積み重ねることで技術が向上する。
Skills improve by accumulating experience.
USAGE: 積み重ねる is a compound verb combining 積む (to pile) and 重ねる (to stack, to repeat). The figurative use (sense 2) is more common than the literal use.
TRANSITIVITY: Transitive (他動詞). Takes を for the object being accumulated.
ASPECT: 積み重ねている indicates ongoing accumulation or a state of having accumulated over time.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 努力を積み重ねる (to accumulate effort)
- 経験を積み重ねる (to build up experience)
- 実績を積み重ねる (to build up achievements)
- 練習を積み重ねる (to accumulate practice)
RELATED: The intransitive form 積み重なる means "to pile up" or "to accumulate" naturally without an agent.