1.
moment by moment; with each passing moment; constantly changing
Describes something that changes or progresses continuously over time, with noticeable differences at each moment. Often used for situations, conditions, or states that evolve rapidly.
状況は時々刻々と変わっている。
The situation is changing moment by moment.
台風の進路が時々刻々と伝えられた。
The typhoon's path was reported moment by moment.
ニュースサイトでは、選挙結果が時々刻々と更新されていた。
On the news website, the election results were being updated moment by moment.
A four-character compound (四字熟語) that repeats 時 (time) and 刻 (moment) to emphasize continuous, ongoing change. It has a literary, slightly formal tone and is especially common in news and written language.
USAGE:
Almost always followed by the particle と: 時々刻々と変わる. The most common verb partner is 変わる (to change). Note that this is different from 時々 (sometimes), despite sharing the same kanji.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 時々刻々と変わる — to change moment by moment
- 時々刻々と変化する — to change continuously
- 時々刻々と迫る — to approach moment by moment
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 刻一刻と — moment by moment; very similar meaning, slightly more common
- 次第に — gradually; implies a slower, more gradual change
- 日に日に — day by day; a larger time scale