プラス
purasu[pɯ̟ɾa̠sɨ]
The English word 'plus' can be translated into Japanese as プラス (purasu).
プラス is used in two main ways: as a mathematical operator for addition and as a conjunction in conversation meaning 'in addition to', 'besides' or 'plus'.
Meaning: And also, in addition, besides (which). (conj)
Which one should you use?
While プラス is the standard term, you can use the more natural adverbial form プラスして to mean 'adding to' or 'besides' within a sentence. For a more formal way to say 'in addition to' or 'along with', you should use ～に加えて. In informal settings, you may see the phrase ～にプラス used to mean 'plus'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the particle して to the word creates the adverbial form プラスして, which is a natural way to express 'plus' or 'adding to' in a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
purasu
Did you know?
- Even though プラス is used for mathematical addition, a Japanese person might describe a person with a positive personality as having a プラスの性格 (plus personality).
- While you might use プラス to mean 'adding' something, if you are talking about a free gift or a little something extra thrown in for fun, the culturally specific word おまけ is much more common.
- In business and accounting, a profit or surplus is described as being in a プラス state, while a deficit is referred to as マイナス.
Examples in context
- ２プラス２は４。Two plus two is four.This sentence demonstrates the use of プラス as a mathematical operator.
- 1年 プラス 2年は3年ですOne year plus two years equals three years
- 僕は研究 に加えて ボランティアもしていますIn addition to my research, I also do volunteer work
- 彼女は仕事 に加えて 家事もしているんですBesides her job, she also does the household chores
- この仕事は大変。プラス、時間がかかる。Kono shigoto wa taihen. Purasu, jikan ga kakaru.This job is hard. Plus, it takes time.
Example conversation
A sister and brother are discussing their new apartment.
- 陽葵 Himari新しい部屋は駅から近いね。Atarashii heya wa eki kara chikai ne.The new room is close to the station, isn't it?
- 陽太 Yotaうん。プラス、近くにスーパーもあるよ。Un. Purasu, chikaku ni sūpā mo aru yo.Yeah. Plus, there's a supermarket nearby too.
- 陽葵 Himariそれは便利で助かるわ。Sore wa benri de tasukaru wa.That's convenient and helpful.
- 陽太 Yota荷物もすぐ運べるしね。Nimotsu mo sugu hakoberu shi ne.And we can move the luggage quickly too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry プラス, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
