The expression "one by one" is also simple in Chinese (you don't even need the word "by"), except that it gets complicated somewhat by the concept of [https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/Measure_word measure words]. == Used as "One by One" == The most obvious way to express "one by one" is 一个一个 (yī gè yī gè), and this expression is, in fact, quite common, especially when referring to people doing things one by one. But other [https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/Measure_word measure words] can be used in the same pattern as well. === Structure === === Examples === == Used as "Little by Little" == Aside from just meaning "one by one," when 一 (yī) is used with a [https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/Measure_word measure word] that is a unit of time like "day" or "year," the meaning changes to "little by little" ("day by day," "year by year") or "gradually." === Structure === === Examples === == Used as "Over and Over Again" == When a measure word phrase like "one time" is repeated, the meaning also changes. When using a [https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/Verb_measure_word verb measure word] like 次 (cì) or 遍 (biàn), using this pattern can indicate how the action is performed or indicate repetition of the the action. === Structure === If the speaker wants to emphasize that the action has been repeated many times, 又 (yòu) can add emphasis. === Examples ===