add · accompany

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 添 has 11 strokes and concerns adding something alongside or being close to someone.
• Basic usage: 添える is read そえる, and 寄り添う is read よりそう.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• What is added
  • 贈り物に短い手紙を添える means adding a short letter to a gift. に marks what receives the addition, and を marks what is added.
• Physical closeness and emotional support
  • 母猫に寄り添って describes being pressed close to a mother cat.
  • 友人の気持ちに寄り添いたい means wanting to empathize with a friend's feelings and be there for them.