Definition
添 (tiān) is a general, everyday verb meaning 'to add, increase, or replenish' — often used for small additions like adding water or a name. It is less formal than 添加 (tiānjiā, 'to add' in written/technical contexts) and 增添 (zēngtiān, 'to increase' a quantity). 补充 (bǔchōng) focuses on adding what is missing to make something complete.
verb
to addto increaseto replenish
Easily confused
- 舔tiǎnlook-aliketo lick
- 天tiānsound-alike(noun) sky
- 甜tiánsound-alikesweet
- 填tiánsound-aliketo fill (a hole, container, etc.)
- 田tiánsound-alikefield; farmland
Examples
- ，添。Bēizi lǐ de shuǐ shǎo le, wǒ gěi nǐ tiān yì diǎn.The water in your cup is low, let me add a bit for you.
- 。Tā zǒng ài zài biérén shuōhuà shí tiān luàn.He always likes to interrupt and cause trouble when others are speaking.
- 添。Qǐng zài míngdān shàng tiān shàng nǐ de míngzì.Please add your name to the list.
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