加
jiā
In Chinese, the word for 'plus' is 加 (jiā).
加 is used in mathematical contexts to express the addition of numbers, such as 'one plus two'. It can also mean 'and also', 'in addition' or 'besides (which)' when used as a conjunction.
Meaning: And also, in addition, besides (which). (conj)
What does it mean word for word?
The character 加 literally means 'to add' or 'to increase'.
Which one should you use?
Use 加上 to convey 'in addition to' or 'plus' in more formal settings, and use 还有 to mean 'and also' or 'in addition' in informal conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
jiā
Did you know?
- The ancient way of writing 加 suggests that 'adding' something originally implied exaggerating or slandering through the use of the 'mouth'.
- Chinese speakers use a variation of 加 in the phrase 加油, which literally means 'add oil' but is used to cheer someone on like 'go for it'.
- In modern Chinese internet slang, the word 加 is often used as a shorthand for adding someone as a friend on social media platforms like WeChat.
Examples in context
- 一加二等于三。One plus two equals three.This sentence is useful for mathematical addition using 加.Tatoeba #475764 by biglion, translation #475773 by biglion
- 防水功能可以加分。Waterproof features would be a plus.This sentence shows how 加 can relate to adding value or points.Tatoeba #13190504 by LeviHighway, translation #13190388 by Nuel
- 二加三加四的和是九。The sum of two plus three plus four is nine.This sentence demonstrates using 加 multiple times in a mathematical sum.Tatoeba #13124237 by LeviHighway, translation #72909 by CM
- 一加一等于二。One plus one equals two.
- 我的年龄加上你的年龄差不多。My age plus your age is about the same.
- 他喜欢音乐，加上他还善于绘画。He likes music, plus he is good at painting.
- 我今天买了一杯咖啡，加个蛋糕。I bought a cup of coffee today, plus a piece of cake.
- 我买了苹果、香蕉，还有橙子。I bought apples, bananas, and also oranges.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A group of friends is discussing a new apartment rental.
- 浩然 Haoran房租两千，加物业费要多少？fángzhū liǎng qiān, jiā wùyèfèi yào duōshǎo?The rent is two thousand, plus the management fee, how much will it be?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen加起来大概两千两百元。jiā qǐlái dàgài liǎng qiān liǎng bǎi yuán.Including the extra costs, it is about two thousand two hundred yuan.
- 浩然 Haoran那加水电费呢？nà jiā shuǐdiànfèi ne?What about adding water and electricity bills?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen再加上水电费，一个月得两千五。zài jiā shang shuǐdiànfèi, yīgè yuè děi liǎng qiān wǔ.Plus water and electricity, it'll be two thousand five a month.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 加, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
