Not only, but also (in cantonese)

Question

佢唔單只感冒，仲發燒添。
Not only does he have a cold, but he also has a fever.

What is the function of 添？ I feel rather awkward saying it. I searched the dictionary and doesn’t look like it has added any meaning.

Answer 1

You might be interested in these notes from ABC Cantonese on the word 添:

1 more

畀多我一百蚊𠻹
bei2 do1 ngo5 jat1 baat3 man1 tim1
Give me one hundred dollars more

食多啲𠻹
sik6 do1 di1 tim1
Eat some more

Notes: occurs at end of sentence to indicate action is expected to be repeated; usually pronunciation with high falling tone; also written as 㖭 tim1, 添 tim1

2 as well, also, more, again

佢撞到人唔道歉,仲鬧人𠻹
keoi5 zong6 dou2 jan4 m4 dou6 hip3, zung6 naau6 jan4 tim1
After bumping into somebody, he didn't apologize, and even scolded that person as well

噉做法仲弊𠻹
gam2 zou6 faat3 zung6 bai6 tim1
Doing it this way is also even worse

Notes: follows 仲 zung6 to emphasize something additional is involved

Answer 2

仲 = also

添 = add / additionally

[(仲) ~ (添)] is a set structure for [(in addition, also) ~ ]

仲發燒添 means "in addition, also have fever"

Answer 3

添 can be optional. It's used to exaggerate his expression. You can say 佢唔單只感冒，仲發燒