Entry
着々
chakuchaku
Describes steady and sure progress towards a goal without interruption.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word conveys that a project, preparation, or construction is moving forward smoothly and consistently according to plan.
- Smooth progress of a project or plan
- Gradual building of status, reputation, or skills
Sense Map
Task Progress
Used when a project, preparation, or physical work shows definite advancement.
準備が着々と進む
Cumulative Achievement
Used to describe the steady accumulation of results, such as in a career or skill set.
地位を着々と築く
Usage Note
How to Use
着々と進む
着々と準備する
着々と築く
着々と実行する
How to Use
Common Phrases
着々と進む
to progress steadily
着々と準備する
to prepare step by step
着々と築く
to build up consistently
着々と実行する
to carry out surely
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Business | Professional | Perfect for reporting project status to superiors. |
| Personal | Positive | Indicates that someone is in control of their life or goals. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
だんだん だんだん / similar | Use for natural or gradual changes without a specific goal. | Chakuchaku focuses on active progress of a plan, not just a change in state. | だんだん暖かくなる |
どんどん どんどん / contrast | Use when emphasizing speed or a strong, rapid momentum. | Chakuchaku emphasizes calmness and certainty more than pure speed. | どんどん食べる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for natural weather changes like temperature rising.
Use 'dandan' because weather is not a planned project.
Using it for actions performed in a hurried or frantic manner.
Use 'dondon' to emphasize rapid, unhesitating speed.
Examples
Examples
準備が着々と進んでいる。
じゅんびがちゃくちゃくとすすんでいる。
Preparations are progressing steadily.
LiteralIndicates that all preparation steps are being done according to plan.
工事が着々と進められている。
こうじがちゃくちゃくとすすめられている。
Construction work is being carried out steadily.
LiteralOften used in news reports or official announcements.
彼は社内での地位を着々と築いている。
かれはしゃないでのちいをちゃくちゃくときずいている。
He is steadily building his position within the company.
FigurativeDescribes steady career progress through tangible results.
計画は着々と実行に移されている。
けいかくはちゃくちゃくとじっこうにうつされている。
The plan is being put into action step by step.
LiteralIndicates a smooth transition from planning to action.
彼女は着々と実力をつけてきた。
かのじょはちゃくちゃくとじつりょくをつけてきた。
She has been steadily building up her skills.
LiteralShows an accumulation of effort yielding definite results.
Similar Words
だんだん
だんだん
Use for natural or gradual changes without a specific goal. Chakuchaku focuses on active progress of a plan, not just a change in state.
Questions
Does chakuchaku always mean fast?
Not necessarily. Its main focus is stability and uninterrupted progress, not just speed.
Can I use chakuchaku without the 'to' particle?
Yes, but using 'to' (chakuchaku-to) is more common in written and formal language.
Is it used for negative situations?
It is typically used for positive or neutral contexts. It's rare to use it for the progress of something bad.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 968292959
- Source
- Internal
- Source URL
- bunpro.jp/ja/vocabs/着々
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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