增加
zēngjiā · HSK 3
increase
➕📈 增 = add/grow + 加 = add; doubled 'add' = increase
Both characters mean 'add', stacked for emphasis. 加 (jiā) is the same 'add' as in 加油 (add oil = go!). Doubling reinforces the sense of piling more on — quantity goes up.
增 — earth 土 + 曾 (phonetic, 'layer/repeat')
A semantic-phonetic compound: 土 ('earth') gives the meaning, while 曾 supplies the sound and hints at 'layered, piled up.' The original sense was piling earth higher and higher, which generalized to 'increase, add to.' 曾 itself depicts a tiered steamer, reinforcing the idea of stacking.
加 — force 力 + mouth 口
加 is traditionally analyzed as a compound of 力 (strength) and 口 (mouth), suggesting boasting or exaggerating one's effort with words. From this it extended to the meaning 'to add' or 'increase'. Today it is used broadly for addition, both literal and figurative.