Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Increase" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "increase", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
増える
ふえる (fueru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
増やす
ふやす (fuyasu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "increase" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 増える and 増やす.
In Japanese, 増える (ふえる (fueru)) is typically associated with "to increase (intransitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Intransitive verb. Something increases by itself. The transitive verb is 増やす.
On the other hand, 増やす (ふやす (fuyasu)) maps to "to increase; to multiply; to raise" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 他動詞（transitive verb）。数や量、種類などを多くするときに使います。反対語は「減らす」です。 'Fuyasu' is a transitive verb used when making numbers, quantities, types, etc., larger. Its antonym is 'herasu'.. A literal translation of "increase" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "増える"
この地域では、最近外国人観光客が増えています。
In this region, the number of foreign tourists has recently increased.
Bilingual Context for "増やす"
貯金を増やすために、毎日少しずつお金を貯めています。
I'm saving a little money every day to increase my savings.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この地域では、最近外国人観光客が増えています。" (Meaning: "In this region, the number of foreign tourists has recently increased.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "増える" fits here because it means "to increase (intransitive)" in the context of: "In this region, the number of foreign tourists has recently increased.". "増やす" represents "to increase; to multiply; to raise".