추가하다 vs 보태다
Korean word comparison
Listen to 추가하다
Listen to 보태다
| 추가하다 | 보태다 |
|---|---|
choo-GA-ha-da verb | botaeda verb |
| to add something extra; to include more | to add to; to supplement |
How they differ
보태다 often implies adding something to make up for a shortage or to help complete something. Compared with 추가하다, it has a stronger sense of supplementing or contributing to an existing amount rather than simply appending an extra item.
When to use each
When to use 추가하다: Use 추가하다 when you are simply adding extra content or an extra element.
When to use 보태다: Use 보태다 when you want to emphasize supplementing, helping, or making up for something lacking.
Side-by-side examples
- 자료를 추가하다.
(Add the materials.) - 부족한 돈을 조금 보태다.
(Add a little money to cover the shortage.)
Register & nuance: 보태다 is common in spoken Korean and has a practical, helpful nuance; it is less formal than 추가하다.