Translation guide
The English phrase "add up" has several distinct meanings: to calculate a total, to make sense or be logical, and to accumulate gradually. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each.
To find the sum of numbers or amounts.
The standard verb for calculating a total. Used in both spoken and written contexts.
Please add up the expenses.
To be consistent, plausible, or believable. Often used in negative or question form.
Means 'to be consistent' or 'to add up' in the sense of a story or explanation making sense. Very common.
To increase in amount over time, often of small amounts becoming significant.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to accumulate' or 'to pile up'. Used for both physical things and abstract amounts.
Do not use 足す (たす, to add) or 合計する (ごうけいする) when you mean 'to make sense'. These only refer to mathematical addition. Use つじつまが合う or 筋が通る instead.
His explanation doesn't add up.
Literally 'do addition'. More casual and often used in everyday conversation, especially for simple arithmetic.
Add up all these numbers.
To tally or aggregate, often used for data, votes, or survey results. Slightly formal.
Add up the survey results.
His story doesn't add up.
Literally 'the logic passes through'. Means something is logical or reasonable.
That explanation adds up.
Means 'to be reasonable' or 'to stand to reason'. Somewhat formal.
His argument doesn't add up.
Small expenses added up to a large sum.
Intransitive verb emphasizing layering or building up over time. Often used for efforts or experiences.
Efforts added up and led to success.
Proverb: 'Even dust, when piled up, becomes a mountain.' Equivalent to 'many a mickle makes a muckle' or 'small amounts add up'.
Small amounts add up, so let's save a little every day.