加減
かげん · kagen · JLPT N3 · noun
adjustment
🧂 加減 = add + subtract: a bit more, a bit less = adjustment
加 means add and 減 means reduce. You adjust something by adding a little or taking a little away, so the pair means degree or adjustment, as in 塩加減 (saltiness) and 湯加減 (bath water temperature).
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.