Meaning and Usage
The verb 増す (ます) means "to increase" or "to grow" in quantity, degree, or intensity. It is often used to describe abstract increases such as feelings, conditions, or qualities rather than physical objects.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see 増す used with nouns like 寒さ (cold), 自信 (confidence), ストレス (stress), or 不安 (anxiety) to express that these states or feelings are intensifying.
Collocations and Patterns
- 寒さが増す: the cold increases, often used in weather contexts.
- 自信が増す: confidence grows, common in personal development.
- ストレスが増す: stress increases, often in health or work contexts.
- ～が増すと: a conditional pattern meaning "when X increases..."
Register and Nuance
増す is a polite and somewhat formal verb, suitable for both spoken and written Japanese. It is more abstract than verbs like 増える (ふえる), which often refers to countable or physical increases.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 増す with 増える. Remember, 増す is usually used for intangible increases (feelings, intensity), while 増える is for tangible or countable increases (people, objects).