Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Increase" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "increase", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
増やす
ふやす (fuyasu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
増加する
ぞうかする (zouka suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "increase" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 増やす and 増加する.
In Japanese, 増やす (ふやす (fuyasu)) is typically associated with "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'..
On the other hand, 増加する (ぞうかする (zouka suru)) maps to "to increase, to rise, to grow" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used for numbers, amounts, populations, etc. Often used in formal contexts, reports, or news.. A literal translation of "increase" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "増加する"
今年の売上は前年比10%増加した。
Sales this year increased by 10% compared to the previous year.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "貯金を ＿＿＿ ために、毎日少しずつお金を貯めています。" (Meaning: "I'm saving a little money every day to increase my savings.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "増やす" fits here because it means "to increase; to multiply; to raise" in the context of: "I'm saving a little money every day to increase my savings.". "増加する" represents "to increase, to rise, to grow".