增添

• Pinyin: zēng tiān
• Hanzi breakdown: 增 = 土 + 曾 (to increase); 添 = 氵 + 忝 (to add)

Meaning

To add; to increase; to supplement. To bring additional elements that enrich or enhance something.

Often used for abstract qualities like joy, color, or atmosphere: 增添乐趣 (add fun), 增添色彩 (add color). More literary than simple 增加. Implies enhancement or enrichment rather than mere numerical increase.

Examples

1. 新生儿的到来为这个家庭增添了无尽的欢乐。 The arrival of the newborn brought endless joy to the family.
2. 节日的彩灯为古老的街道增添了浓厚的喜庆气氛。 Festival lights added a strong celebratory atmosphere to the old streets.
3. 这幅画为客厅增添了几分艺术气息。 This painting adds a touch of artistic flair to the living room.

Usage Guide

Context: description, enhancement, literary

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 春天的花朵为公园增添了生机与活力。(The spring flowers added vitality and vigor to the park.)
• 她的到来为这次聚会增添了不少欢声笑语。(Her arrival added much laughter and joy to the gathering.)

Don't Say

• 增添十个人 — for adding specific quantities of countable items, use 增加; 增添 is for abstract enrichment

Origin & History

增 (to increase) + 添 (to add/supplement)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal