平添 (píng tiān) — to add (an abstract quality or element) to something, often unexpectedly or as a natural consequence

Definition

Literary verb meaning something naturally or unexpectedly adds a quality to an existing situation. It implies a passive, unplanned effect rather than deliberate action.

verb
to add (an abstract quality or element) to something, often unexpectedly or as a natural consequence

Examples

  • 平添。
    Zhè chǎng yǔ gěi lǚ xíng píng tiān le bù shǎo má fan.
    This rain added quite a bit of trouble to the trip.
  • 平添。
    Tā de xiào róng wèi jù huì píng tiān le huān lè de qì fen.
    Her smile added a joyful atmosphere to the party.
  • 平添。
    Xīn zhèng cè píng tiān le qǐ yè de bú què dìng xìng.
    The new policy added uncertainty for businesses.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

平píngsimply
添tiānadd

平 suggests simply or naturally and 添 means add, describing something added unexpectedly or as a matter of course.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

The origin is uncertain. One explanation combines 八 (division) and 亏 (exhaled air) to show smooth speech.

Open 平 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
水水shuǐwater
Sound part声符shēngfú
忝
忝tiǎn添tiān
Same sound today

添 pairs 水 (water) with 忝, which gives its sound; the shape pictures increasing by pouring more water in.

Open 添 →

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