How to say "Add" in Japanese

When translating "add" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 加える and 錦上花を添える. 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, 錦上花を添える (きんじょうはなをそえる (kinjou hana o soeru)) maps to "to add flowers to brocade (to make something beautiful even more beautiful), to gild the lily" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents An idiom meaning to enhance something that is already excellent or beautiful, making it even better.. A literal translation of "add" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!