(used after an adverb such as 不, 大, 稍 etc, and before a disyllabic verb, to indicate that the action of the verb is applied to sth or sb previously mentioned)
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March 24, 2026
加jiā(jia1)
The character 加 (jiā) primarily means 'to add' or 'to increase'. It is commonly used in mathematical contexts as well as in everyday situations where one thing is added to another. Additionally, it can indicate the application of actions or considerations to previously mentioned subjects, making it versatile in various contexts.
Strokes5Radical力Frequency#635DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the spirit of adding or increasing is often related to growth and prosperity, which is reflected in the tradition of giving gifts and offerings during festivals to symbolize abundance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a plus sign (+) being added to a group of numbers. The character 加 looks like a person adding something to a pile, while the pronunciation 'jiā' sounds like 'ja' in 'jazz,' where the energy of adding music to a performance is celebrated.
Meanings of 加
jiā(jia1)
1to add
2abbr. for Canada 加拿大[Jiā ná dà]
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About 加
加Simplified
5Strokes
力Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#635Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 加
Podcast: 加
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AI Study Notes for 加
Quick Contrast
加 (jiā) vs 增 (zēng) — use 加 for adding or including something, while 增 specifically emphasizes an increase in quantity or degree.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a plus sign (+) being added to a group of numbers. The character 加 looks like a person adding something to a pile, while the pronunciation 'jiā' sounds like 'ja' in 'jazz,' where the energy of adding music to a performance is celebrated.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is using 加 in contexts where it should not be applied, such as confusing it with 增加 (zēngjiā), which specifically means 'to increase' rather than just 'to add'. Be cautious with tones, as saying 'jià' instead can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
While 加 is not in the HSK vocabulary list, it is crucial for learners at levels 2 and 3 as it connects with other verbs indicating action. Focus on how it interacts with adverbs and disyllabic verbs to express nuanced meanings.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the spirit of adding or increasing is often related to growth and prosperity, which is reflected in the tradition of giving gifts and offerings during festivals to symbolize abundance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 加 with 增加 when discussing increases that are not simply additive. For instance, saying '我加了很多工作' (I added a lot of work) instead of '我增加了很多工作' (I increased a lot of work) can lead to misunderstanding.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 加
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Depicts making noises with the mouth (口) while exerting strength (力). Based on the original meaning "exert strength". The meaning later shifted to "raise; increase; add"
Memory Hint
Supporting a cause with the strength 力 of one's words 口
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Grammar Patterns of 加
加 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 9 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
bó lǎng níng de yù cè bù guò shì wàng jiā cāi cè ér yǐ。
Browning's prediction is no better than a wild guess.
Cultural Notes for 加
💡Did you know?
The character 加 is commonly used in many contexts, from daily conversations to formal writing. It's a versatile character that emphasizes addition, whether in numbers or support.
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the spirit of adding or increasing is often related to growth and prosperity, which is reflected in the tradition of giving gifts and offerings during festivals to symbolize abundance.
Word Family of 加
Compounds25
架jia4to support
咖ka1coffee
驾Jia4surname Jia
贺He4surname He
茄jia1eggplant
伽ga1temple; used to transliterations
迦jia1used in transliterations
珈jia1an ornament attached to a woman's hairpin
枷jia1the stocks, a cangue scaffold
痂jia1scab
袈jia1Buddhist cassock
笳jia1reed whistle
乫
哿ge3excellent, capable; happy; to commend
耞
跏jia1to squat, to sit cross-legged
嗧
妿
拁
毠
泇
賀he4to congratulate; to send a present
鉫
駕jia4to drive, to ride, to sail; carriage, cart
鴐
Words Containing This Character20
参加cānjiāto participate參加
加jiāto add
增加zēngjiāto raise
加油jiāyóuto add oil
加入jiārùto join
更加gèngjiāeven more
加强jiāqiángto reinforce加強
加上jiāshàngplus
加快jiākuàito accelerate
加大to increase (e.g. one's effort)
加拿大Canada
加工jiāgōngto process
加州California
加速jiāsùto speed up
芝加哥Chicago, USA
加以jiāyǐin addition
拉斯维加斯Las Vegas, Nevada拉斯維加斯
新加坡Singapore
加班jiābānto work overtime
加油站jiāyóuzhàngas station
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 架 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 加
Yes, 加 (jiā) is a recognized surname in China, although it is less common compared to others like Wang or Li. It can be found among families, particularly in certain regions.
Common phrases using 加 include '加油' (jiā yóu), meaning 'to add oil' or 'to cheer on,' and '加班' (jiā bān), which means 'to work overtime.' These phrases illustrate how 加 can convey the sense of adding effort or time.
加 (jiā) primarily means 'to add' in Chinese. It can also refer to the abbreviation for Canada (加拿大) or be used as a surname. Additionally, it indicates applying something to a previously mentioned object or person.
To use 加 (jiā) in a sentence, you can say '请加一点盐' (qǐng jiā yī diǎn yán), which means 'Please add a little salt.' It is often placed before verbs to indicate the addition or application of something to an object or action.
You can place 加 after an adverb and before a disyllabic verb to indicate that the action applies to something mentioned before, like '我加大了努力' (I added greater effort).
Yes, 加 is used in both formal and informal contexts, but ensure you understand its nuances in each situation to avoid miscommunication.
Common phrases include 加油 (jiāyóu, 'to add oil' or 'to cheer on') and 加班 (jiābān, 'to work overtime').
