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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

追加する

ついかする (tsuika suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "add" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 加える and 追加する. 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, 追加する (ついかする (tsuika suru)) maps to "to add, to append" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used when adding something to an existing thing, list, or collection. Can be used with を or に.. 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 "追加する"
メニューにもう一品追加してください。
Please add one more item to the menu.

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.". "追加する" represents "to add, to append".