加
jiā
Meaning
to add, plus; augment
Five Elements
wood
Gender
Unisex
Strokes
5
Meaning & Cultural Context
加 (jiā) literally means 'to add' or 'to increase,' representing the concept of continuous growth and accumulation in Chinese philosophy. In traditional Chinese thought, the character embodies the principle of self-improvement and the idea that one should constantly add virtue, knowledge, and merit to their character. It appears in numerous classical compounds relating to enhancement, such as 加油 (jiā yóu - to add oil/cheer up) and 加重 (jiā zhòng - to increase).
Using in Chinese Names
Chinese parents frequently choose 加 in names to express hopes that their child will achieve success and bring honor to the family through continuous effort. The character conveys aspirations for advancement, achievement, and the ability to 'add' value to any endeavor. It is particularly popular for boys but remains gender-neutral, often combined with characters denoting virtue, success, or strength to create balanced, auspicious names.
Personality & Impression
The character suggests someone ambitious, driven, and always striving for growth—a natural builder who adds value wherever they go and seeks continuous self-improvement.
For Foreigners
Pronounced 'jia' (first tone, like saying 'jia' as in 'jazz' but with flat intonation), this character is straightforward to write with just five strokes. Non-Chinese individuals encountering it in names can simply sound it out as 'jia'—it appears in familiar phrases like 'jia you' (加油), used to cheer someone on.
Style & Personality
Popular Name Combinations
Common two-character names that include 加:
to add, plus; augment, cinnabar red, devoted heart
modern, traditional
to add, plus; augment, talented, handsome, brilliant
modern, traditional
to add, plus; augment, overcome, conquer, achieve
modern, modern
to add, plus; augment, crown, first, best
modern, traditional
to add, plus; augment, triumphant, victorious music
modern, modern
to add, plus; augment, strong, unyielding
modern, traditional
to add, plus; augment, strength, power, capability
modern, modern
Build a Chinese Name With 加
If you like the character 加 (jiā - to add, plus; augment), you can use it as the starting point for a personalized Chinese name.
Create My Chinese Name with 加