About
The character "加" is structurally composed of the components 力, meaning strength, and 口, meaning mouth, a combination that etymologically suggests the act of adding through verbal emphasis or exerted effort. Its original meaning centered on "to add" or "to increase", as documented in classical Chinese literature. Over time, this core concept broadened to encompass derived meanings such as to impose, to apply, or to exaggerate, reflecting its use in various contextual applications. In contemporary usage, it maintains the fundamental sense of addition, evident in its mathematical function as "plus", while also forming part of numerous compounds that convey ideas of joining, enhancing, or augmenting, such as in 加入 (to join) or 加快 (to accelerate).
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我在咖啡里加糖。
他参加了比赛。
明天我要加班。
天气冷，加件衣服吧。
因为工作多，我们得加班。
如果你参加活动，记得提前报名。
经济增长速度加快。
通过技术创新，生产效率显著增加。