Translation guide
Expresses doing something gradually, in small amounts, or piece by piece. Japanese uses adverbs, idiomatic phrases, and mimetic words to convey this idea.
Describing a process that happens slowly and steadily, often with a sense of accumulation.
The most common and neutral way to say 'bit by bit' or 'little by little'. Used for gradual progress or accumulation.
Focusing on dividing something into small parts and dealing with them one at a time.
Emphasizing a sequential, methodical approach rather than speed.
Literally 'one step at a time'. Common in motivational or process-oriented contexts.
一歩ずつ前に進もう。
Let's move forward bit by bit (one step at a time).
Literally 'one by one'. Used for countable items or tasks.
少しずつ is the everyday, versatile choice. 徐々に is more formal and often used in news, reports, or written descriptions of gradual change. In casual speech, 徐々に can sound stiff.
少しずつ慣れてきた。
I'm getting used to it bit by bit.
人口が徐々に減少している。
The population is gradually decreasing.
Do not translate 'bit by bit' word-for-word as ビットバイビット or 少しによって少し. These are not natural Japanese. Use the adverbs and phrases above instead.
日本語が少しずつ上手になっています。
My Japanese is improving bit by bit.
貯金が少しずつ増えています。
My savings are increasing little by little.
More formal and often used in written or technical contexts. Implies a gradual, step-by-step change.
景気は徐々に回復している。
The economy is recovering bit by bit.
Mimetic adverb suggesting a slow, creeping, or seeping progress. Often used for emotions, pain, or subtle changes.
じわりと汗がにじむ。
Sweat oozes out bit by bit.
Also works for physical division or consumption in small amounts.
このケーキを少しずつ食べましょう。
Let's eat this cake bit by bit.
Literally 'by dividing into small portions'. Used when physically separating items or tasks.
仕事を小分けにして進めよう。
Let's proceed with the work bit by bit (by breaking it into smaller tasks).
Colloquial mimetic word for consuming something (especially drinks) in small sips or amounts over time.
ウイスキーをちびちび飲む。
Sip whiskey bit by bit.
問題を一つずつ解決していきます。
We'll solve the problems bit by bit (one by one).