更加
gèngjiā · HSK 3
(even) more
➕ 更 = more/change + 加 = add; together: even more added on
更 alone means 'more' or 'even more'; 加 means 'add' or 'plus'. Stacking them intensifies the comparison — not just more, but more-plus-added. Use 更加 before adjectives to push the degree higher than plain 更.
更 — 丙 (bǐng) phonetic + 攴/攵 (action/strike)
Originally an oracle-bone graph showing a hand striking a watch-drum to mark night watches, hence 'to change shifts.' From this came the meanings 'to change' and 'to replace' (gēng). The reading gèng later developed the sense 'further, even more,' as in 'one watch further on.'
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.