Japanese word

添える

Pronunciation

Romajisoeru

Meaning

  • verbadd

Example

手紙に写真を添えます。te gami ni sha shin o so e ma su

I add a photo to the letter.

Illustration for 添える (add)

More examples

料理にレモンを添えます。ryō ri ni re mo n o so e ma su

I serve lemon with the dish.

Core concept

Adds something beside a main item so that the two are taken together.

Common phrases

  • 写真を添えるsha shin o so e ru

    add a photo

  • 一言添えるhito koto so e ru

    add a brief remark

  • 料理に添えるryō ri ni so e ru

    serve with a dish

Similar words

加えるkuwaeru: To add something to an existing thing or group.
付けるtsukeru: To put something with another thing or attach it to that thing.
添付するtenpusuru: To attach an additional document or file to a message or form.

Definition in Japanese

主となるものに、別のものを付け加えて一緒にする。nushi to na ru mo no ni betsu no mo no o tsu ke kuwa e te is sho ni su ru

Word origin

The native Japanese verb 添える (soeru, "to add alongside") is the transitive counterpart of 添う (sō, "to be alongside").

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 添える (soeru) can describe both a supporting item added to a letter and a side dish placed with a meal, linking the senses of add and garnish.

Other meanings

  • accompanyverb
  • garnishverb

Related words

  • 添えsoeaccompanimentnoun

Word lists with this word