xún循followxù序orderjiàn渐graduallyjìn进advance
To proceed step by step; to advance gradually in due order.
Literal meaning
follow (循) — order (序) — gradually (渐) — advance (进)
Origin
A classical four-character phrase.
Examples
xuéxí rènhé jìnéng dōu xūyào xúnxùjiànjìn.学习任何技能都需要循序渐进。
Learning any skill requires a step-by-step approach.
gǎi改gé革yīng应gāi该xún循xù序jiàn渐jìn进。
Reform should proceed gradually.
Usage & nuances
Emphasizes the importance of a systematic and gradual approach.
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