加上

• Pinyin: jiā shàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 加 = 力 (strength) + 口 (mouth), meaning to add; 上 = indicator pointing upward, meaning on/up

Meaning

Plus; in addition to; coupled with. A conjunction adding information or factors.

Used to add additional factors or information to what was previously mentioned. Functions both as a verb (to add) and a conjunction (plus/moreover). Often introduces contributing factors to an outcome.

Examples

1. 他本来就聪明，加上勤奋努力，成绩自然优秀。 He was already smart, and coupled with his diligent efforts, his grades are naturally excellent.
2. 机票加上酒店费用，这次旅行大概要花八千块。 Flight tickets plus hotel costs, this trip will probably cost around 8,000 yuan.
3. 连续加班加上睡眠不足，他终于病倒了。 Continuous overtime plus lack of sleep, he finally fell ill.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, calculation, reasoning

Tone: additive

Do Say

• 三加上五等于八。(Three plus five equals eight.)
• 工资加上奖金，这个月收入不错。(Salary plus bonus, this month's income is pretty good.)

Don't Say

• 加上我喜欢你 (加上 adds factors or elements, not statements of feeling — rephrase the sentence structure)

Origin & History

Compound of 加 (to add) + 上 (on, up), together meaning to add on or include additionally.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal