# 循序渐进

xún xù jiàn jìn

Make progress step by step

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Follow the order and advance gradually

**Traditional Chinese:** 循序漸進

**Register:** Positive · conversational

[Effort & growth](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/effort)

## When to use it

Use for learning or work that builds in a sensible sequence.

It implies an appropriate progression, not needless slowness.

## Behind the words

Traditional teaching discusses proceeding in order rather than skipping foundations. The expression gives that approach a compact form.

循序 suggests following an order, while 渐进 means advancing gradually. Both parts matter: progress should be paced and arranged so that later steps build on earlier ones. The idiom suits learning, rehabilitation, training, and deliberate expansion. It does not necessarily mean moving slowly; a well-organized sequence can advance quickly when each stage is secure.

## Examples

恢复运动要循序渐进，别一开始就练太久。

### Traditional Chinese

恢復運動要循序漸進，別一開始就練太久。

huī fù yùn dòng yào xún xù jiàn jìn ， bié yì kāi shǐ jiù liàn tài jiǔ 。

Ease back into exercise step by step; don’t train too long at the start.

恢复训练要循序渐进，不能第一天就跑十公里。

### Traditional Chinese

恢復訓練要循序漸進，不能第一天就跑十公里。

huī fù xùn liàn yào xún xù jiàn jìn ， bù néng dì yī tiān jiù pǎo shí gōng lǐ 。

Return to training gradually; do not run ten kilometers on the first day.

这套教材从短句开始，循序渐进地介绍复杂语法。

### Traditional Chinese

這套教材從短句開始，循序漸進地介紹複雜語法。

zhè tào jiào cái cóng duǎn jù kāi shǐ ， xún xù jiàn jìn dì jiè shào fù zá yǔ fǎ 。

The textbook starts with short sentences and introduces complex grammar step by step.

她先练习小规模经营，再循序渐进地扩大店铺。

### Traditional Chinese

她先練習小規模經營，再循序漸進地擴大店鋪。

tā xiān liàn xí xiǎo guī mó jīng yíng ， zài xún xù jiàn jìn dì kuò dà diàn pù 。

She practiced running a small business before gradually expanding it.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 4, 2026.

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=1453&q=1&webMd=1&la=0)

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%BE%AA%E5%BA%8F%E6%BC%B8%E9%80%B2)

## Keep exploring

- [揠苗助长 yà miáo zhù zhǎng Damage progress by forcing it too quickly ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ya-miao-zhu-zhang)

- [眼高手低 yǎn gāo shǒu dī Have high expectations but inadequate practical ability ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/yan-gao-shou-di)

- [阳春白雪 yáng chūn bái xuě Art of a refined or demanding kind ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/yang-chun-bai-xue)

- [养精蓄锐 yǎng jīng xù ruì Rest and prepare strength for a coming effort ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/yang-jing-xu-rui)

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