1.
year by year; with each passing year
Indicates a gradual change or progression that occurs as the years pass. Emphasizes cumulative or incremental change over time.
気温は年ごとに上がっている。
Temperatures are rising year by year.
日本語が年ごとに上手になっている。
Your Japanese is getting better with each passing year.
この町の人口は年ごとに減り続けている。
The population of this town continues to decline year after year.
USAGE:
Follows the pattern ～ごとに (every ~), applied to 年 (year). Used when describing trends, gradual changes, or recurring yearly events. Common in news reporting, statistics, and personal reflection.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 年々: year after year — more literary/formal, often used in written contexts
- 毎年: every year — focuses on annual recurrence rather than gradual change
- 日ごとに: day by day — same pattern but with a shorter time scale