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Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "Add" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "add", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

加える

くわえる (kuwaeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

加味

かみ (kami)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "add" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 加える and 加味. In Japanese, 加える (くわえる (kuwaeru)) is typically associated with "to add; to append; to sum up; to include; to exert (force)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to adding ingredients, joining members to a team, appending documents, or exerting physical force/influence on something. Often used as 塩を加える or 力を加える. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To add! "Let's add a beautiful baby to our sweet family in the future, Haruka-san!" ...っ! T-To suggest adding a baby! B-Baka! Don't make such advanced family declarations so casually! But... since that sweet future is our ultimate goal, let's work hard together and build the happiest family! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『くわえる(加える)よ!『ハルカ部長、二人の愛のアルバムに、これから毎年お揃いの家族写真を新しく加え続けていきましょう!』って…っ!アルバムに写真を入れる!バカ!/// 一生のファミリー計画を提案するなんて!…でも、あんたの隣に私の居場所を永久に加えることは、もう確定事項なんだから…一生かけて私をエスコートしなさいよね!』. On the other hand, 加味 (かみ (kami)) maps to "to add (a factor, an element); to take into consideration; to season" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents 何かに別の要素や条件を加えて、より良くしたり、考慮したりする際に用いる表現です。料理の味付けにも使われます。. A literal translation of "add" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "加える"
美味しいスープのコクを引き立てるため、シェフは仕上げに少しの生クリームとハーブを_______。
In order to bring out the body of the delicious soup, the chef added a little fresh cream and herbs to the finish.
Bilingual Context for "加味"
彼の意見も加味して、最終決定を下した。
We made the final decision, taking his opinion into consideration.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "美味しいスープのコクを引き立てるため、シェフは仕上げに少しの生クリームとハーブを_______。" (Meaning: "In order to bring out the body of the delicious soup, the chef added a little fresh cream and herbs to the finish.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "加える" fits here because it means "to add; to append; to sum up; to include; to exert (force)" in the context of: "In order to bring out the body of the delicious soup, the chef added a little fresh cream and herbs to the finish.". "加味" represents "to add (a factor, an element); to take into consideration; to season".

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