加以

• Pinyin: jiā yǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 加 = 力 (power) + 口 (mouth) — to add; 以 = 人 variant — by means of

Meaning

To apply; to carry out; to subject to. A formal verb used before another verb to indicate applying an action to something.

A formal, literary expression used to introduce the action being applied. Always followed by a verb: 加以分析 (to analyze), 加以改正 (to correct), 加以解决 (to resolve). More formal than simply using the verb alone. Common in written Chinese and official contexts.

Examples

1. 这个问题需要认真加以研究。 This problem needs to be seriously studied.
2. 发现错误后，他立即加以改正。 After discovering the mistake, he immediately corrected it.
3. 政府对这种行为将加以严厉处罚。 The government will severely punish this kind of behavior.

Usage Guide

Context: writing, official, academic

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 这个方案需要进一步加以完善。(This plan needs to be further improved.)
• 老师对学生的缺点加以指出。(The teacher pointed out the students' shortcomings.)

Don't Say

• 说'我加以吃饭'表示我去吃饭 (Don't use 加以 before basic actions like eating — it's for formal contexts; say 去吃饭)

Origin & History

加 (to add, to apply) + 以 (with, by means of). Together forming a formal expression meaning to apply or carry out an action.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal