プラス

• Reading: プラス
• Romaji: purasu
• Pronunciation: /pɯ.ɾa.sɯ/

Meaning

Plus; addition; a positive factor. Used for arithmetic, advantages, and positive aspects.

A loanword from English 'plus' functioning as a noun, suru verb, and prefix. プラスする means to add. Common uses: プラスになる (to become a benefit), プラスアルファ (a little extra/bonus — wasei-eigo), プラスマイナス (plus or minus). The opposite is マイナス. Widely used in both casual and business Japanese.

Examples

1. この経験は将来きっとプラスになると思う。 I think this experience will definitely be a plus in the future.
2. 消費税をプラスすると合計は千百円です。 With sales tax added, the total comes to eleven hundred yen.
3. 毎日三十分の運動を生活にプラスした。 I added thirty minutes of exercise to my daily routine.

Usage Guide

Context: mathematics, business, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Borrowed from English 'plus,' which derives from Latin 'plūs' meaning 'more.' Entered Japanese during the Meiji era alongside Western mathematics.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal