How to Write 加 (jiā) — Meaning “to add / plus”

Imagine you are at a race, and you use your strength (力) to shout (口) "加 油!" (go for it!) to add encouragement. The shape also looks like a person with a strong arm (力) putting a block (口) onto a stack, representing "adding" one more item.

Write the left part 力 first: a horizontal stroke, then a vertical hook, then a left-falling stroke. Then add the right part 口 as a square shape. A common mistake is making the 力 too wide or the 口 too small—keep them balanced, with the 口 about the same height as the 力.

加 has 口 on the right, meaning "to add." 劝 (quàn) has 又 (again) on the left and 力 on the right, meaning "to persuade." 办 (bàn) has 八 (eight) on the right and 力 on the left, meaning "to do or handle." Visually, look at the right side: square (口) for 加, crossed lines (八) for 办, and a hand (又) on the left for 劝.

加 is very common in daily life, especially in the cheer 加油 (jiā yóu), which literally means "add oil" but is used like "Go for it!" or "Keep it up!" You also see it in 参加 (join an event) and 加班 (work overtime). The cheer 加油 is heard at sports games, exams, and even in casual encouragement, showing how Chinese culture values effort and persistence.

Common words containing 加 include: 参加 (cān jiā) — To join; to attend; to participate.; 加油 (jiā yóu) — cheer on; refuel; make an extra effort; 加班 (jiā bān) — work overtime.