ichidan verb, transitive verb
garnish; accompany (as a card with a gift)
Used for adding a decorative or complementary item to something, such as a garnish on food or a card with a present.
料理にパセリを添える。
I garnish the dish with parsley.
プレゼントにメッセージカードを添えた。
I attached a message card to the present.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
add as support; prop up
Used when adding something to provide support or reinforcement, such as adding a prop to a structure or including supporting evidence.
倒れそうな木に棒を添えて支えた。
I propped up the leaning tree by adding a pole.
申請書に推薦状を添える。
I attach a letter of recommendation to the application.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
accompany (as an aid, guide, translator)
Used when a person accompanies someone to provide assistance, guidance, or translation.
外国人の観光客に通訳を添えて案内した。
I guided the foreign tourists with an interpreter accompanying them.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
Archaic senses. Sense 4: to mimic or imitate. Sense 5: to draw something near or approach. Not used in modern Japanese.
古典では、人の動作を添えることが「まねる」の意で使われた。
In classical texts, 添える was used to mean 'to mimic' someone's actions.