1.
year after year, year by year
Indicates that something changes or continues with each passing year. Often used with verbs describing gradual increase, decrease, or change.
年々暑くなっている。
It's getting hotter year after year.
年々人口が減っている。
The population is declining year by year.
技術は年々進歩して、生活が便利になっている。
Technology is advancing year by year, making life more convenient.
年々 emphasizes gradual change over multiple years.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 年々〜なる: to become ~ year after year
- 年々増える / 減る: to increase/decrease year by year
- 年々〜ている: continuing to ~ year after year
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 毎年: every year (neutral repetition, no implication of change)
- 年々: year by year (implies progressive change over time)