gradually; in the course of time
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesadverb
gradually; in the course of time; through frequent contact
Usually used with 地 to modify verbs. Describes a gradual process resulting from repeated interaction or frequent contact over time.
Liǎng两
jiā家
zhù住
zài在
yī一
gè个
yuàn院
zi子
lǐ里
，
yī一
lái来
èr二
qù去
de地
dà大
rén人
hái孩
zi子
men们
yě也
dōu都
shú熟
le了
。
The two families lived in the same courtyard, and gradually the adults and children all became familiar with each other.
Tā他
men们
jīng经
cháng常
yī一
qǐ起
gōng工
zuò作
，
yī一
lái来
èr二
qù去
jiù就
chǎn产
shēng生
le了
gǎn感
qíng情
。
They often worked together, and gradually developed feelings for each other.
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Zán咱
men们
cháng常
zài在
yī一
qǐ起
liáo聊
tiān天
，
yī一
lái来
èr二
qù去
jiù就
chéng成
le了
hǎo好
péng朋
you友
。
We often chat together, and little by little became good friends.