Translation guide
This English phrase describes making gradual, consistent progress. In Japanese, it is often expressed through adverbs, idiomatic phrases, or set expressions that emphasize steady, incremental advancement.
To describe an action or process that advances little by little but without stopping, eventually leading to completion or success.
A direct and natural way to say 'slowly but steadily'. Combines 'little by little' (少しずつ) with 'steadily' (着実に). Suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
彼は少しずつ着実に日本語を上達させている。
He is improving his Japanese slowly but steadily.
少しずつ着実に貯金が増えている。
My savings are growing slowly but steadily.
To use a well-known saying that encapsulates the idea of 'slowly but steadily', often for encouragement or reflection.
A proverb meaning 'more haste, less speed' or 'slow and steady wins the race'. Literally 'if you are in a hurry, take a detour'. Advises that taking a slower but surer path can be more effective.
急がば回れで、基礎からしっかり学んだ方がいい。
Slow and steady wins the race; it's better to learn thoroughly from the basics.
Both mean 'slowly but steadily', but 少しずつ着実に is a neutral description of gradual progress, while ゆっくりでも着実に explicitly acknowledges the slow pace and emphasizes that it's acceptable. Use the latter when you want to reassure someone that slow progress is fine.
Directly translating 'slowly but steadily' as 遅くても着実に (おそくてもちゃくじつに) is understandable but less natural. The phrase ゆっくりでも着実に is preferred because ゆっくり implies a relaxed, deliberate pace rather than just slowness.
Literally 'even if slowly, steadily'. Emphasizes that the pace may be slow, but the progress is reliable. Often used in motivational contexts.
ゆっくりでも着実に進めば、いつか目標に到達する。
If you proceed slowly but steadily, you'll eventually reach your goal.
An adverb meaning 'steadily' or 'in a down-to-earth manner'. Implies persistent, unglamorous effort over time. Often used for work or study.
地道に努力を続ければ、結果はついてくる。
If you keep working steadily, results will follow.
Literally 'step by step'. Conveys gradual progress, often with a sense of determination. Can be used with verbs like 進む (advance) or 前進する (move forward).
一歩一歩、目標に向かって進んでいる。
I'm moving toward my goal step by step.
A proverb meaning 'perseverance is power' or 'continuing is strength'. Emphasizes that steady, ongoing effort leads to success. Often used to encourage long-term commitment.
毎日少しずつ練習することが大切だ。継続は力なり。
It's important to practice a little every day. Perseverance is power.
A proverb meaning 'a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step'. Encourages starting small and progressing steadily. More literary or reflective.
千里の道も一歩から。まずはできることから始めよう。
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Let's start with what we can do.