little by little
little by little — 慣用語
1. used to describe a process or change that takes place slowly over time, moving f
漸漸地
形容過程隨著時間慢慢演變
used to describe a process or change that takes place slowly over time, moving forward one small stage after another, so the full effect can only be seen after a while.
Little by little, Heloísa began to feel more comfortable speaking in front of the class.
Heloísa 漸漸地開始習慣在班上講話，不再那麼緊張。
phrase at sentence start modifying the whole clause
The paint on the old fence peeled away little by little during the rainy season.
舊籬笆上的油漆在雨季中漸漸地剝落。
post-verbal position
As the weeks passed, the long winter days grew warmer little by little until spring arrived.
隨著時間過去，冬日漫長的白晝漸漸地變得暖和，直到春天來臨。
The village recovered little by little after the floods, rebuilding one house at a time.
這個村莊在水災後漸漸地恢復，一間一間地重建房屋。
Little by little, Erik learned to play the guitar by practising for just ten minutes each evening.
Erik 每天只練習十分鐘，漸漸地學會了彈吉他。
- gradually
the most direct synonym; works in almost any context where 'little by little' fits
- step by step
emphasises a clear sequence of stages, especially in learning or planning
- bit by bit
more informal and closer in feel to 'little by little'; often used for small physical actions
- suddenly
describes a change happening all at once, the opposite of slow progression
- all at once
emphasises that many things happen simultaneously, not one small stage at a time
文法句型
little by little + clause at start or end
用法筆記
This idiom is often placed at the beginning of a sentence to frame the whole event, or directly after the verb. It works with both natural processes (weather, growth) and human activities (learning, recovery).
常見錯誤
little by little — 片語動詞
- little by littlebase form
- littles by little3rd person singular
- littling by little-ing form
- littled by littlepast simple
1. used to describe doing something in small increments or instalments, adding or c
一點一點地
每次少量進行；逐步累積
used to describe doing something in small increments or instalments, adding or consuming a limited amount each time instead of everything at once.
Nia saved money little by little by putting aside fifty dollars from every pay cheque.
Nia 每次發薪都存下五十美元，一點一點地存錢。
financial accumulation context
Tunde ate the huge bowl of noodles little by little, stopping to drink water between each mouthful.
Tunde 一點一點地吃完那碗大麵，每吃幾口就停下來喝水。
The construction crew added bricks to the wall little by little until it reached the roof.
建築工人一點一點地往上加磚頭，直到牆壁蓋到屋頂。
Tariq paid off his student loan little by little over six years, making small monthly payments.
Tariq 在六年內每月固定還款，一點一點地還清了助學貸款。
Lauren painted the portrait little by little, putting in just a few brushstrokes every evening after work.
Lauren 每天下班後畫幾筆，一點一點地把那幅肖像完成了。
- in stages
suggests planned, separate phases rather than natural small increments
- piece by piece
used especially when physical objects or components are assembled or taken apart
- a little at a time
more conversational than 'little by little'; means the same thing
文法句型
little by little modifying the verb phrase
用法筆記
This sense focuses on the method or manner of doing something in small units of quantity or time. It is common with verbs of consumption, payment, construction, and creative work. Distinguish from the idiom sense, which focuses on the unfolding of a process over time — here the emphasis is on deliberate small portions.