Spanish vocabulary · Beginner

Addition in Spanish: Adición

Adición · noun · ah-dee-see-OHN

The English word 'addition' translates to adición in Spanish for the general concept, while suma is the preferred term in mathematical contexts. Both are feminine nouns. The phrase 'in addition' is translated as además.

Pronounce adición as ah-dee-see-OHN, stressing the final syllable.

La suma de cinco y tres es ocho.

The addition of five and three is eight.

Addition in Spanish: Quick Reference

Below are the most common Spanish words for addition, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.

SpanishEnglishPronunciationRegion / Register
adiciónadditionah-dee-see-OHNDefault, widely understood
sumaadditionmathematical addition
agregadoadditionan addition or supplement

How Native Speakers Use Adición

Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.

Math operation

Los niños están practicando la suma en clase.

The children are practicing addition in class.

Describing a math lesson.

Adding something new

La adición de un nuevo miembro al equipo fue positiva.

The addition of a new member to the team was positive.

Discussing team changes at work.

In addition phrase

Además, necesitamos comprar frutas para la fiesta.

In addition, we need to buy fruits for the party.

Adding to a list of tasks.

Avoid These Mistakes When Using Adición

Using adición for math

Incorrect: Haz la adición de estos números.

Correct: Haz la suma de estos números.

In mathematical contexts, suma is the standard term for addition, not adición.

Wrong gender article

Incorrect: El adición de la nueva sala costó mucho.

Correct: La adición de la nueva sala costó mucho.

Adición is a feminine noun and requires the article la, not el.

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Common Questions About Addition in Spanish

How do you say 'addition' in Spanish?
The general term is adición, while suma is preferred for mathematical addition, and además translates the phrase 'in addition.'
What is the difference between adición and suma?
Suma is used for the mathematical operation of adding numbers, while adición refers more broadly to the act of adding something to an existing whole.
How do you say 'in addition to' in Spanish?
The phrase 'in addition to' translates to además de: además de estudiar, también trabajo (in addition to studying, I also work).