1.
steadily; step by step; making steady progress
Describes progress being made reliably and methodically, without setbacks. Implies a sense of purposeful, continuous advancement toward a goal.
準備が着々と進んでいる。
Preparations are progressing steadily.
計画は着々と実行に移されている。
The plan is being put into action step by step.
あの会社は着々と海外進出の足場を固めている。
That company is steadily building a foothold for overseas expansion.
USAGE:
Almost always appears in the form 着々と, followed by verbs of progress such as 進む, 進める, or 実行する. Carries a positive nuance — the progress is welcome and on track.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 着々と進む (to proceed steadily)
- 着々と準備する (to prepare step by step)
- 着々と成果を上げる (to produce results steadily)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- じわじわ: gradually — suggests slow, almost imperceptible change, often with a negative nuance
- 徐々に: gradually — neutral tone, simply describes slow progression without implying purposeful effort