加わる

• Reading: くわわる
• Romaji: kuwawaru
• Kanji breakdown: 加 (ka/kuwa) — add, join, increase
• Pronunciation: /kɯ.wa.wa.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To join in; to be added to. Describes becoming part of a group or something being added.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugated with the る row. The intransitive counterpart of 加える (to add). Used when someone joins a group (チームに加わる), when a new element is added (条件が加わる), or when force is applied (力が加わる). Common in both casual and formal contexts.

Examples

1. 来月から新しいメンバーがチームに加わる予定です。 A new member is scheduled to join the team starting next month.
2. この料理にスパイスが加わると味が変わる。 The flavor changes when spice is added to this dish.
3. 彼も議論に加わって意見を述べた。 He joined the discussion and shared his opinion.

Usage Guide

Context: teamwork, business, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 加 (ka, to add) with the intransitive verb ending わる. The kanji 加 combines 力 (power) and 口 (mouth), originally meaning 'to add force or voice' to something.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal