Translation and Meaning of: 加える - kuwaeru

If you are learning Japanese, you have probably come across the word 加える (くわえる). This verb is quite useful in everyday life and appears in various contexts, from formal situations to informal conversations. In this article, we will explore its meaning, how it is used in the Japanese language, and some tips that can help you memorize it better.

加える is a verb that means "to add," "to include," or "to attach." It can be used both in a physical sense, such as adding an ingredient to a recipe, and in an abstract sense, like including someone in a group. Its usage is versatile and appears in various situations, making it an important word for those who wish to communicate fluently in Japanese.

Meaning and usage of 加える

The verb 加える is often used to indicate the action of adding something to a mixture, list, or group. For example, in a cooking recipe, you might hear something like "塩を加える" (shio o kuwaeru), which means "add salt." Furthermore, it can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as in discussions or decisions, where someone might "include an opinion" (意見を加える).

An interesting characteristic of 加える is that it can be used in both everyday situations and in more formal contexts. This makes it a quite flexible verb, allowing it to be applied in different language registers. However, in informal conversations, Japanese people often opt for more colloquial synonyms, depending on the context.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 加 is composed of the radical 力 (force) and 口 (mouth), suggesting an idea of "to increase" or "to add." This composition helps to understand why the verb 加える (kaweru) is related to the act of adding something. The kanji itself is often used in other words that involve increase or inclusion, such as 追加 (tsuika - addition) and 参加 (sanka - participation).

It is important to remember that 加える also has a transitive form, which means it always requires a direct object. This means you cannot simply say "加える" without specifying what is being added. This is an important feature for those learning to use the verb correctly in sentences.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 加える is to associate it with practical situations, such as cooking or working in a group. For example, think about how you "add" ingredients to a pot or "include" people in an activity. This mental association can help solidify the meaning and use of the verb more naturally.

Additionally, pay attention to the kanji 加, which appears in other words with similar meanings. Recognizing this pattern can facilitate the learning of related vocabulary. If you already know terms like 増加 (zouka - increase) or 加工 (kakou - processing), it becomes easier to understand the logic behind the use of 加える in different contexts.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 加える

• 加える - base form
• 加える - Positive affirmative form
• 加えます - Polite affirmative form
• 加えない - negative form
• 加えました - Affirmative past form

Synonyms and similar words

• 増やす (Fuyasu) - Increase, augment the amount of something.
• 追加する (Tsui ka suru) - Add something new to an existing list or set.
• 加入する (Kanyu suru) - Join or become a member of a group or organization.
• 付け加える (Tsuke kuwaeru) - Add something to an existing statement or information.
• 添える (Soeru) - Add, usually something that complements or accompanies.
• 補う (Ogu) - Compensate or supply the lack of something; complete.
• 補充する (Hoju suru) - Replenish or restore something that has been used or depleted.
• 充実する (Jujitsu suru) - Enrich or make something more complete in terms of content or quality.

加える

Romaji: kuwaeru
Kana: くわえる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: attach; sum up; add (up); include; increase; to inflict

Meaning in English: to append;to sum up;to add (up);to include;to increase;to inflict

Definition: To add something more.

Example Sentences - (加える) kuwaeru

See below some example sentences:

砂糖をコーヒーに加える。

Satou wo kouhii ni kuwaeru

Add sugar to coffee.

Add sugar to coffee.

• 砂糖 (さとう) - sugar
• を - direct object particle
• コーヒー - cafe
• に - target particle
• 加える (くわえる) - add

塩を加えると味が良くなる。

Shio wo kuwaeru to aji ga yoku naru

Adding salt improves the taste.

Add salt to improve the taste.

• 塩 (しお) - salt
• を - direct object particle
• 加える (くわえる) - add
• と - conditional particle
• 味 (あじ) - flavor
• が - subject particle
• 良くなる (よくなる) - To improve

「この文章に何か付け加える必要がある。」

Kono bunshou ni nanika tsukekaeru hitsuyou ga aru

I need to add something to this sentence.

• 「 - opening character in Japanese.
• この - Demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one".
• 文章 - Noun that means "text" or "written document".
• に - particle indicating action of destination or place where something happens.
• 何か - indefinite pronoun meaning "something".
• 付け加える - verb meaning "to add" or "to add".
• 必要 - adjective meaning "necessary" or "essential".
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• ある - Verb that means "to exist" or "to have".
• 。 - closing character in Japanese.