じわじわ

じわじわ
adverb, onomatopoeia
gradually; slowly; steadily
1. gradually; slowly; steadily
Describes something that happens little by little over time, with a sense of persistence or inevitability. Often implies a slow but inexorable progress.
物価(ぶっか)がじわじわと上(あ)がっている。
Prices are gradually rising.
じわじわと効(き)いてくる薬(くすり)だ。
It's a medicine that works gradually.
じわじわと人気(にんき)が広(ひろ)がっている。
Its popularity is spreading steadily.
2. seeping; oozing; spreading slowly
Describes liquid slowly spreading or seeping, or a sensation gradually spreading through the body.
汗(あせ)がじわじわと額(ひたい)に滲(にじ)んできた。
Sweat slowly started to bead on my forehead.
水(みず)がじわじわとコンクリートに染(し)み込(こ)んでいった。
Water slowly seeped into the concrete.
辛(から)いものを食(た)べたら、じわじわと口(くち)の中(なか)が熱(あつ)くなってきた。
After eating something spicy, my mouth gradually started to burn.

USAGE:
じわじわ(と) + verb

Sense 1 (gradual change):

Emphasizes slow, persistent change that may not be immediately noticeable but accumulates over time:

  • じわじわ(と)増(ふ)える (to increase gradually)
  • じわじわ(と)広(ひろ)がる (to spread slowly)
  • じわじわ(と)迫(せま)る (to close in gradually)

Sense 2 (seeping/spreading):

Describes liquids or sensations spreading slowly:

  • じわじわ滲(にじ)む (to seep out slowly)
  • じわじわ熱(あつ)くなる (to gradually get hot)

NUANCE:
Often carries a sense of something inevitable or relentless—the change may be slow but it's persistent and will eventually have a significant effect.

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 徐々(じょじょ)に - Gradually (more formal)
  • だんだん - Gradually, more and more
  • ゆっくり - Slowly (focus on pace)

Related Words

Synonym: 徐々(じょじょ)に (gradually (formal))

Related Articles

Common Onomatopoeia and Mimetic Words
general
Added 2026.1.18 13:22 · Revised 2026.3.14 12:03
06500/06682_jiwajiwa