Difference between 加える and 足す?


Both seems to mean "to add". What are the differences? Any other words that
could be used alongside these?




For one, 加える is more formal than 足す。 足す can also mean to add, as in adding
numbers / mathematics. The really small difference is that 足す is generally
used when adding to an already existing quantity, while 加える is more used when
adding something new. Examples:

  1. コーヒーに砂糖を加える。
  2. コーヒーに砂糖を足す。

Both mean to add sugar to coffee, but the former would be used in a scenario
when I am creating a latte or some other sweet coffee beverage. The latter
means to add sugar, as in the coffee already has sugar, but it's still too
bitter.




For one, 加える is more formal than 足す。 足す can also mean to add, as in adding
numbers / mathematics. The really small difference is that 足す is generally
used when adding to an already existing quantity, while 加える is more used when
adding something new. Examples:

  1. コーヒーに砂糖を加える。
  2. コーヒーに砂糖を足す。

Both mean to add sugar to coffee, but the former would be used in a scenario
when I am creating a latte or some other sweet coffee beverage. The latter
means to add sugar, as in the coffee already has sugar, but it's still too
bitter.

