This is the 8135th most frequent Japanese word.
小刻み
"Small, frequent, or slight movements or steps."
The word '小刻み' is used here to describe the small and repetitive movements of the shoulders while crying.
彼は小刻みに肩を震わせて泣いていた。
He was crying, shaking his shoulders in quick, small movements.
Here, '小刻み' refers to the dance steps being small and exact, highlighting the careful and detailed movements.
小刻みなステップでダンスを続ける。
The dance continues with small, precise steps.
In this sentence, '小刻み' illustrates the gradual and segmented progress of the ship, emphasizing its controlled, minor steps.