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verb HSK 4
tiān jiā
to add · to append · to increase

Meaning

添加 means to add something to what already exists, whether physical objects, information, or abstract elements. It emphasizes the action of supplementing or appending rather than replacing.

Usage

This is a standard formal verb commonly used in writing, technology contexts (like adding contacts or files), and cooking (adding ingredients). It's more formal than 加 alone and often appears in instructions, technical documentation, and formal speech.

Examples

  1. 01
    请在表格中添加你的联系方式。
    Qǐng zài biǎo gé zhōng tiān jiā nǐ de lián xì fāng shì.
    Please add your contact information to the form.
  2. 02
    这道菜需要添加一些盐和胡椒。
    Zhè dào cài xū yào tiān jiā yī xiē yán hé hú jiāo.
    This dish needs to have some salt and pepper added.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 添加好友
    tiān jiā hǎo yǒu
    to add a friend (on social media)
  • 添加剂
    tiān jiā jì
    additive (food additive)
  • 添加内容
    tiān jiā nèi róng
    to add content
  • 添加到
    tiān jiā dào
    to add to

Antonyms

Origin

Both characters relate to adding or increasing. 添 originally depicted adding water (氵radical) to something, while 加 shows力 (strength) being applied. Together they form a compound verb emphasizing the addition process.

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