The Meaning of purasu [プラス] In Japanese

プラス
プラス
Romaji: purasu N5

What does プラス mean?

Translation and Meaning

plus, plus sign, positive, advantage

Definition

What does プラス mean? It denotes addition or a positive attribute and is used to express extra value, beneficial aspects, or a surplus in math, finance, and everyday language.

Type

noun (名詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • Arithmetic meaning: the plus sign and the operation of adding numbers
  • Positive sense: a favorable quality, benefit, or advantageous aspect
  • Extra quantity: in expressions like プラスアルファ meaning an additional amount or feature

Etymology

Loanword from English plus, adapted to Japanese phonology as プラス (purasu).

Origin

Introduced during Japan’s modernization through Western mathematics and commerce, the term became common in education and media by the early 20th century.

Usage

数学ではプラスは加算を表す。プラス思考は前向きな考え方を指す。プラスアルファは追加の要素を意味する。
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: Visualize a cross (+) adding value; purasu sounds like plus and helps recall both arithmetic sense and positive usages.

Variations

  • メリット — meritto
  • 長所 — chōsho
  • 有利 — yūri
  • マイナス — mainasu
  • 欠点 — ketten

Example Phrases

  • 今日は運動後、プラスでプロテインも飲む。
    Kyou wa undougo, purasu de purotein mo nomu.
    Today after a workout, I also drink protein.
    Lista:
    • 今日は (Kyou wa) – today
    • 運動後 (undougo) – after exercise
    • プラス (purasu) – plus
    • で (de) – (particle indicating means/and)
    • プロテイン (purotein) – protein
    • も (mo) – also
    • 飲む (nomu) – drink
    Here 「プラス」 means ‘in addition’ and is used as a noun with で to indicate doing something in addition to the main activity.
プラス