Usage and Nuance
The adverb 逐步 (zhú bù) means 'step by step' or 'progressively.' It emphasizes a gradual process, often used in formal or semi-formal contexts such as business, education, or government policies. When speakers use 逐步, they imply that changes or developments are planned and implemented carefully over time rather than abruptly.
Common Collocations
- 逐步实现 (zhúbù shíxiàn): progressively achieve
- 逐步积累 (zhúbù jīlěi): gradually accumulate
- 逐步放宽 (zhúbù fàngkuān): progressively relax
These collocations highlight the idea of gradual progress or easing of conditions.
Position in Sentence
逐步 usually appears before verbs to modify the manner of the action, indicating that it happens in stages. It rarely stands alone and is not used as a verb or noun.
Contrast with Similar Words
Unlike 慢慢 (mànmàn), which focuses on slowness, 逐步 stresses the orderly progression of steps. Avoid confusing 逐步 with 一步步 (yī bù bù), which is more colloquial and emphasizes the physical act of stepping.
Summary
Use 逐步 when you want to express a planned, gradual progression in processes, policies, or learning. It is common in formal speech and writing and pairs well with verbs related to change, development, or accumulation.