Translation guide
The English verb 'add' covers several distinct actions in Japanese. The most common equivalents are 加える (kuwaeru) for adding something to an existing group or mixture, and 足す (tasu) for mathematical addition or supplementing a quantity. Other verbs like 追加する (tsuika suru) are used for appending items to a list or order. The choice depends on what is being added and the context.
To put something into an existing set, mixture, or collection so that it becomes part of it.
General verb for adding something to a group, mixture, or collection. Often used in cooking, team formation, and abstract contexts.
砂糖を少し加えてください。
Please add a little sugar.
彼をチームに加えよう。
Let's add him to the team.
Literally 'put in', used casually for adding ingredients or items into a container or mixture. Very common in everyday speech.
To perform addition in mathematics, or to increase a quantity by adding more.
The standard verb for mathematical addition. Also used for adding more of something to reach a desired amount.
To include an additional item in a written list, digital record, or order.
To add something extra to an existing list, order, or set. Common in menus, shopping, and software.
注文にデザートを追加しました。
I added dessert to the order.
To incorporate a new capability, feature, or component into a system or product.
Used for adding features to software, apps, or services.
新しい機能をアプリに追加しました。
We added a new feature to the app.
To say something extra in a conversation or written text.
加える (kuwaeru) is for adding to a mixture or group. 足す (tasu) is for mathematical addition or supplementing a quantity. 追加する (tsuika suru) is for appending to a list or order. Using the wrong one can sound unnatural.
水を加える (○) / 水を足す (△: implies water was insufficient) / 水を追加する (×)
add water (correct / somewhat acceptable / incorrect)
追加する is not used for adding ingredients during cooking. Use 加える or 入れる instead.
Please add milk to the coffee.
To add something extra, often a comment or supplementary item. Implies attaching or appending.
一言付け加えてもいいですか。
May I add one more thing?
5に3を足すと8になります。
If you add 3 to 5, you get 8.
塩が足りないので、もう少し足してください。
There's not enough salt, so please add a little more.
Loanword from English 'plus', used in casual math or when adding a positive element.
この数字に10をプラスしてください。
Please add 10 to this number.
Please add a name to the list.
To add something to fill a gap or supplement. Often used for adding words or items to a written text.
文章に説明を付け足した。
I added an explanation to the text.
Can be used for adding elements to a system or design, slightly more formal.
システムにセキュリティ機能を加えました。
We added security features to the system.
To add a supplementary comment or remark.
彼は「しかし」と付け加えた。
He added, 'However...'
To add something verbally that was left unsaid.
もう一言言い足したい。
I want to add one more thing.
塩を追加する (×) → 塩を加える (○)
add salt (incorrect → correct)
塩を追加する (×) → 塩を加える (○)
add salt (incorrect → correct)