加えて

Japanese Grammar Advanced Japanese ★★★ 3/5 formal くわえてkuwaete
Reading くわえて
Romaji kuwaete
Formation Statement A。加えて + Additional Information
Kanji breakdown 加 (くわ・える) = to add, to append

Meaning

A conjunction meaning 'in addition' or 'moreover,' used to introduce supplementary information that builds upon what has already been stated. It signals that the speaker is adding another point to strengthen or expand the argument.

くわえて (加えて) is the te-form of the verb 加える (to add) used as a conjunctive expression meaning 'in addition to that.' It adds a new piece of information that supports, reinforces, or extends the preceding statement. It is more formal than それに or しかも and is commonly used in news reports, academic writing, presentations, and business communication. Unlike さらに, which emphasises escalation or degree, 加えて focuses on the act of appending additional information. It can appear at the beginning of a sentence or clause, and often introduces a second factor contributing to a conclusion.

Examples

  1. 原材料費が高騰している。加えて、人件費も上昇しており、経営を圧迫している。 Raw material costs are soaring. In addition, labour costs are also rising, putting pressure on management.
  2. 彼は語学に堪能である。加えて、プログラミングの技術も持ち合わせている。 He is proficient in languages. In addition, he also possesses programming skills.
  3. 今年は猛暑が続いた。加えて、降水量も極端に少なかった。 This year saw continued extreme heat. In addition, rainfall was also extremely low.

Usage Guide

Context: written, spoken, business

Tone: additive

Do Say

  • 売上が減少している。加えて、新規顧客の獲得も鈍化している。
  • 彼女は実務経験が豊富だ。加えて、リーダーシップにも優れている。
  • 台風による被害が甚大であった。加えて、復旧作業も遅れが生じている。

Don't Say

  • 加えて、おはようございます。(Using 加えて as a greeting opener with nothing to add to) → 本日はお集まりいただきありがとうございます。加えて、資料のご準備もお願いいたします。
  • 天気がいい。加えて、犬を散歩させた。(Using 加えて for unrelated sequential actions) → 天気がいい。加えて、気温も穏やかで散歩日和だ。

Origin & History

加えて is the te-form of the verb 加える (to add), which combines the kanji 加 (add, increase) with the ichidan verb ending. Its use as a conjunctive expression developed naturally from the literal meaning of adding one thing to another.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Related Phrases

また An adverb and conjunction meaning 'also,' 'again,' or 'moreover,' used to indicate repetition of an action or addition of a new but related point. It is one of the most versatile connectors in Japanese. さて An interjection or conjunction used to shift the topic of conversation or mark a transition to a new subject. It signals that the speaker is moving on from the current discussion to address something different or to begin the main point. ただ A conjunction meaning 'however' or 'but,' used to introduce a supplementary remark, reservation, or minor qualification to the preceding statement. It softens the contrast compared to しかし or だが. ちなみに A conjunction meaning 'by the way' or 'incidentally,' used to add supplementary or tangential information related to the current topic. It connects the preceding context with an additional piece of information the speaker considers relevant or interesting. 更に An adverb and conjunction meaning 'furthermore,' 'additionally,' or 'even more,' used to indicate that something is being added to or escalated beyond what was already mentioned. It can express both addition and intensification. あるいは A conjunction meaning 'or,' 'alternatively,' or 'possibly,' used to present alternatives or to suggest another possibility. It connects two or more options, choices, or hypotheses within a sentence or across sentences. もしくは A conjunction meaning 'or,' used to disjunctively connect two items, ideas, or conditions. It presents mutually exclusive alternatives in a formal or official context. もっとも A conjunction meaning 'although,' 'having said that,' or 'though,' used to add a comment that partially retracts, qualifies, or puts into perspective what the speaker has just said. It acknowledges the validity of the preceding statement while introducing a counterbalancing consideration.
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