Translation guide
How to express the action of adding something in Japanese, including mathematical addition, adding to a group, adding ingredients, and more.
Expressing the arithmetic operation of adding numbers.
The most common verb for mathematical addition. Used in everyday calculations.
2に3を足すと5になる。
If you add 3 to 2, you get 5.
More formal or written term for addition, often used in technical contexts.
Loanword from English 'plus', used in casual speech or when reading formulas aloud.
2プラス3は5。
2 plus 3 is 5.
Putting something extra into a set, list, or group.
General verb for adding something extra, like adding an item to a cart or a name to a list.
カートに商品を追加しました。
I added the item to the cart.
Putting an ingredient into a dish during preparation.
The most natural verb for adding ingredients to a pot, pan, etc.
Contributing an intangible quality or element.
Including someone in a team, event, or conversation.
足す is mainly for math. 加える is for adding tangible or abstract things, often in formal or written contexts. 追加する is for adding extra items to an existing set, like in apps or lists.
Saying 塩を足す sounds unnatural. Use 入れる or 加える for ingredients.
新しい連絡先を追加しました。
I added a new contact.
詳細を付け加えてください。
Add more details.
この数に5を加えてください。
Please add 5 to this number.
Can also be used for adding to a group, but slightly more formal than 追加する.
リストに名前を加えてください。
Please add the name to the list.
Sometimes used colloquially for adding to a collection, but primarily for math.
もう一つ足しておいて。
Add one more.
塩を少々入れてください。
Please add a little salt.
Also common in recipes, slightly more formal or written.
砂糖を加えて混ぜます。
Add sugar and mix.
Used for adding abstract things like value, meaning, or changes.
この絵は部屋に彩りを加える。
This painting adds color to the room.
Emphasizes adding something extra, often a comment or detail.
一言付け加えてもいいですか。
May I add one more thing?
Standard verb for adding a person to a group.
彼をチームに加えましょう。
Let's add him to the team.
More casual, like 'put someone in' a group or list.
彼もメンバーに入れよう。
Let's add him as a member too.