advance

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading is しん, and the kun readings are すすむ, すすめる. It has 11 strokes and relates to a person or process advancing, or moving work forward.
• Basic usage: 進む is read すすむ, and 進める is read すすめる.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 進む / 進める
  • 進む means to advance or to progress and is read すすむ. It describes a person or discussion advancing or progressing.
  • 話し合いが予定より順調に進んだ。 means “The discussion progressed more smoothly than expected.”
  • 進める means move forward or proceed with and is read すすめる. It describes someone moving a plan, task, or project forward.
  • 計画に沿って作業を少しずつ進める。 means “We move the work forward little by little according to the plan.”