Definitions

jiàn (adjective,adverb) gradual; gradually
jiān (verb) to imbue

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 渐, in its traditional form 漸, combines the water radical 氵 on the left, which provides its semantic category, with the phonetic element 断 on the right, meaning to chop. Its original sense described the slow flow of water or gradual seepage, which evolved into an adverb meaning a step-by-step progression or change over time. Today, it primarily conveys the idea of incremental development rather than sudden occurrence.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

黑了。

Tiān jiànjiàn hēi le.

The sky gradually darkened.

他的病好转了。

Tā de bìng jiànjiàn hǎozhuǎn le.

His illness is gradually improving.

我对这个城市逐熟悉起来。

Wǒ duì zhège chéngshì zhújiàn shúxī qǐlái.

I am gradually becoming familiar with this city.

两人远,没了联系。

Liǎng rén jiàn xíng jiàn yuǎn, méi le liánxì.

The two gradually grew apart and lost contact.

改革的成效正在逐显现。

Gǎigé de chéngxiào zhèngzài zhújiàn xiǎnxiàn.

The effects of the reform are gradually becoming apparent。

她的态度发生了进式的转变。

Tā de tàidu fāshēng le jiànjìn shì de zhuǎnbiàn.

Her attitude underwent a gradual转变。

通过进的方法,他掌握了技巧。

Tōngguò jiànjìn de fāngfǎ, tā zhǎngwò le jìqiǎo。

Through a gradual method, he mastered the skill.

城市化进程逐加快,带来了新的挑战。

Chéngshìhuà jìnchéng zhújiàn jiākuài, dài lái le xīn de tiǎozhàn.

The urbanization process is gradually accelerating, bringing new challenges.