添える

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The written form is 添える, read そえる. This transitive verb means adding something alongside a main item, including a side dish or an accompanying letter.
• Basic usage: 野菜を添える describes serving vegetables beside grilled fish, while 手紙を添える describes including a short letter with a gift.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• An accompaniment added to food
  • Seasonal vegetables are served as an accompaniment to grilled fish. Example: 焼いた魚に季節の野菜を添えました。 — We served the grilled fish with seasonal vegetables.
• A letter included with a gift
  • A short letter is included as an accompaniment to the gift. Example: 贈り物に短い手紙を添えることにしました。 — I decided to include a short letter with the gift.