积累 (jīlěi)

积累 means to gradually accumulate or build up something over time, such as experience, knowledge, or wealth.

Meanings

[verb] to accumulate; to build up; to gather gradually over time
[noun] accumulation; something built up over time

Example Sentences

多年的工作经验让他积累了丰富的知识。 Duō nián de gōngzuò jīngyàn ràng tā jīlěi le fēngfù de zhīshì. Years of work experience helped him accumulate rich knowledge.

财富需要长期积累，不能急于求成。 Cáifù xūyào chángqī jīlěi, bù néng jí yú qiú chéng. Wealth requires long-term accumulation; you cannot rush for quick results.

学习语言就是一个不断积累词汇的过程。 Xuéxí yǔyán jiùshì yīgè bùduàn jīlěi cíhuì de guòchéng. Learning a language is a process of continuously accumulating vocabulary.

通过日常积累，你的能力会逐渐提高。 Tōngguò rìcháng jīlěi, nǐ de nénglì huì zhújiàn tígāo. Through daily accumulation, your abilities will gradually improve.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
积累经验	to accumulate experience
积累词汇	to build up vocabulary
知识积累	accumulation of knowledge
长期积累	long-term accumulation

Usage Notes

积累 emphasizes gradual, steady building up over time. It contrasts with sudden acquisition. The word is often used in discussions of personal growth, financial planning, and learning strategies. It appears frequently in motivational contexts at B1 level.

Memory Hook

积 means "to store up" and 累 means "to pile up layer by layer": 积累 is storing and piling up, layer after layer of knowledge or experience.