Definitions

tiān (verb) to add; to increase; to replenish

Etymology phono-semantic

water

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "添" denotes adding or increasing and is constructed from the water radical "氵" alongside the component "忝", which primarily functions as a phonetic indicator. Its etymology suggests an initial association with pouring or supplementing liquids, as evidenced by early textual uses where it specifically meant to add water. Over time, the meaning broadened from this liquid-related sense to encompass the general act of adding any element or quantity. The character's structure, with "忝" providing the sound and the water radical hinting at its original context, has not changed in its essential composition.

Example Sentences Hide

请给我点水。

Qǐng gěi wǒ tiān diǎn shuǐ.

Please add some water for me.

了一件新衣服。

Tā tiān le yī jiàn xīn yīfu.

He added a new piece of clothing.

妈妈在汤里了盐。

Māma zài tāng lǐ tiān le yán.

Mom added salt to the soup.

这个软件需要加新功能。

Zhège ruǎnjiàn xūyào tiānjiā xīn gōngnéng.

This software needs to add new features.

他的回答为故事增了趣味。

Tā de huídá wèi gùshi zēngtiān le qùwèi.

His answer added interest to the story.

公司计划置一批办公设备。

Gōngsī jìhuà tiānzhì yī pī bàngōng shèbèi.

The company plans to acquire a batch of office equipment.

不要给别人不必要的麻烦。

Búyào gěi biérén tiān bù bìyào de máfan.

Don't cause unnecessary trouble for others.

随着人口增长,城市需要增更多公共服务。

Suízhe rénkǒu zēngzhǎng, chéngshì xūyào zēngtiān gèng duō gōnggòng fúwù.

With population growth, the city needs to add more public services.