gradually

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 徐 has 10 strokes and the on-reading じょ. 徐々 (じょじょ) means gradually, while 徐行 (じょこう) means slow driving.
• Basic usage: 徐々 appears as 徐々に to describe change occurring little by little; 徐行 concerns vehicles moving at reduced speed.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Gradual change and slow movement
  • 空が徐々に明るくなってきた means that the sky gradually began to brighten. 緊張は徐々に薄れた likewise describes nervousness gradually fading.
  • 車が徐行していた means that vehicles were moving slowly. 徐行と書かれた標識 refers to a sign marked with an instruction to proceed slowly.