Understanding "增加" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 增加
• Pinyin: zēng jiā
• Literal Meaning: "增" means "to add" or "to augment," and "加" means "to increase" or "to add." Together, they emphasize the idea of growth or addition.
• Primary Meaning: "To increase," "to add," or "to raise." It refers to making something greater in quantity, size, or intensity.

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
• "增加" is a neutral term used in both formal and informal contexts to describe an increase in numbers, amounts, or degrees.
• It can apply to abstract concepts (e.g., pressure, difficulty) or concrete things (e.g., weight, salary).
• Often used in business, economics, daily life, and academic writing.

• Nuance: Unlike "增长" (which implies natural or gradual growth), "增加" focuses on deliberate or measurable addition.

• Character Breakdown:

• 增 (zēng): Means "to add" or "to augment." Often used in words like "增长" (growth) or "增强" (to strengthen).
• 加 (jiā): Means "to increase" or "to add." Appears in words like "加快" (to speed up) or "加入" (to join).

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 公司决定增加员工的工资。
   Pinyin: Gōngsī juédìng zēngjiā yuángōng de gōngzī.
   English: The company decided to increase the employees' salaries.

2. Chinese: 今年我们的产量增加了20%。
   Pinyin: Jīnnián wǒmen de chǎnliàng zēngjiāle èrshí bǎi fēnzhī.
   English: Our production output increased by 20% this year.

3. Chinese: 锻炼可以增加你的体力。
   Pinyin: Duànliàn kěyǐ zēngjiā nǐ de tǐlì.
   English: Exercise can increase your physical strength.

Cultural Notes

• In Chinese business culture, "增加" is frequently used in reports or meetings to discuss growth targets, budgets, or improvements.
• During festivals like Chinese New Year, families may "增加" their spending on gifts and food to symbolize prosperity.

Conclusion

"增加" (zēng jiā) is a versatile word meaning "to increase" or "to add," applicable in both daily life and professional settings. Remember its characters: "增" (add) and "加" (increase). Practice using it in sentences to master its usage!