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.
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.
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.
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.
Standard verb for adding a person to a group.
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.
I added a new contact.
この数に5を加えてください。
Please add 5 to this number.
2 plus 3 is 5.
I added the item to the cart.
Can also be used for adding to a group, but slightly more formal than 追加する.
Please add the name to the list.
Sometimes used colloquially for adding to a collection, but primarily for math.
Add one more.
Please add a little salt.
Also common in recipes, slightly more formal or written.
Add sugar and mix.
Used for adding abstract things like value, meaning, or changes.
This painting adds color to the room.
Emphasizes adding something extra, often a comment or detail.
May I add one more thing?
Let's add him to the team.
More casual, like 'put someone in' a group or list.
Let's add him as a member too.
Add more details.