Translation guide
How to express the idea of adding numbers or amounts together, or of something making sense or being consistent, in Japanese.
To find the sum of numbers or amounts.
The most common verb for adding numbers. Used in everyday math and casual contexts.
2と3を足すと5になる。
If you add 2 and 3, you get 5.
Means 'to total up' or 'to sum up'. Slightly more formal, often used when calculating expenses or scores.
Please add up the expenses.
Literary or formal term for 'to add'. Often used in written instructions or mathematical contexts.
Adding 3 to 5 makes 8.
To indicate that a story, explanation, or situation is logical or consistent.
Literally 'the seams match', meaning that a story or explanation is consistent and makes sense.
His story doesn't add up.
Means 'to be logical' or 'to make sense'. Used for arguments or reasoning.
That explanation adds up.
Means 'to be reasonable' or 'to stand to reason'. More formal and less common in daily speech.
His proposal adds up.
To describe small amounts gradually becoming a large total.
Do not translate 'adding up' literally as 足し上げる (tashiageru) or similar. Use the phrases above depending on context.
The transportation costs added up.