ajouter
/a.ʒu.te/
To add in French is ajouter. Wiktionary also lists additionner and sommer.
Meaning: to make an addition, to augment, to increase, to add on (verb)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| ajouter | /a.ʒu.te/ |
| additionner | /a.di.sjɔ.ne/ |
| sommer | /sɔ.me/ |
The term ajouter is the general-purpose verb used when adding one thing to another, such as adding a person to a group or adding salt to food. If you mean to add something in the sense of inserting it, you can also use the synonym insérer.
Which one should you use?
While ajouter is used for adding objects, qualities or people, additionner is used specifically for the mathematical process of summing numbers. The word sommer is also a form of add.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /a.ʒu.te/ and consists of 3 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using additionner when you mean to add something in a general sense. This word is strictly reserved for mathematical summation.
Did you know?
- The French word sommer can mean 'to add' in a mathematical context, but in common legal or official use, it means 'to summon' or 'to order' someone to do something.
- The word additionner is used for the process of adding, but the result of that process is called une addition, which is also the word for the bill at a restaurant.
- Because ajouter is rooted in the Latin 'iuxta', meaning 'near', the concept of 'adding' in French is etymologically related to the idea of 'bringing things closer'.
Examples in context
- N'oublie pas de m'y ajouter.Don't forget to add me in.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of ajouter when adding a person to a context.Tatoeba #135104 by Aiji, translation #321143 by CK
- As-tu autre chose à ajouter ?Do you have anything else to add?This sentence shows how to use ajouter when asking if there is more to contribute.Tatoeba #7785770 by Aiji, translation #4017374 by CK
- Je n'ai rien à ajouter à cela.I have nothing to add to that.This sentence demonstrates the use of ajouter when stating there is nothing more to contribute to a topic.Tatoeba #7793292 by Aiji, translation #1811814 by pne
- Veuillez ajouter les ingrédients à la recette.Please add the ingredients to the recipe.
- Pouvez-vous ajouter ce document au dossier ?Can you add this document to the folder?
- Il doit ajouter plus d'informations au rapport.He needs to add more information to the report.
- Mets un peu de sucre.Add a little bit of sugar.
- Balance quelques légumes en plus.Toss in some extra veggies.
- Ajoute ces vêtements à la pile.Add these clothes to the pile.
- 82 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are cooking dinner together in the kitchen.
- HugoPeux-tu ajouter un peu de sel ?Can you add a little salt?
- ChloéOui, je vais ajouter la sauce maintenant.Yes, I will add the sauce now.
- HugoN'oublie pas d'ajouter du poivre aussi.Don't forget to add some pepper too.
- ChloéD'accord, j'ajoute ça tout de suite.Okay, I'll add that right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “add” translations and entries ajouter, additionner, sommer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries additionner, ajouter, sommer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
