Japanese grammar
What does A。おまけに B。 mean? Japanese grammar N2
A。おまけに B。 means and on top of that… (adds a further, usually unwelcome, fact).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Sentence A。おまけに、sentence B。 |
| Romaji | A.omakeni B. |
| Meaning | and on top of that… (adds a further, usually unwelcome, fact) |
Forming it
| Bad luck | 遅刻した。おまけに宿題も忘れた。 |
|---|---|
| Good luck (rare) | 安かった。おまけに景品までもらった。 |
How to use it
Adds one MORE point in the same direction, mostly something annoying. Colloquial, complaining tone.
- 「おまけに」 = on top of that. Both parts go the same direction and are usually both bad: 「彼は遅刻した。おまけに宿題も忘れた」.
- The root word 「おまけ」 means "a free extra/bonus", so it can also be used for good news: 「安く買えた。おまけに景品ももらった」.
- Compared to its relatives: 「その上」 is neutral, 「しかも」 is written and emphatic, 「おまけに」 is the most colloquial and often carries a complaining tone.
Examples
彼は会議に遅刻した。おまけに資料も忘れてきた。
He was late for the meeting. On top of that, he forgot the documents.
このアパートは狭い。おまけに家賃も高い。
This apartment is cramped. To make matters worse, the rent is high.
Keep in mind
- It is a sentence-initial conjunction.
- Both clauses must go the same direction — both good or both bad.
Common mistakes
-
Wrongこの店は安い。おまけにまずい。
This place is cheap. But it's bad.
Correctこの店は安い。でも、まずい。
The two parts of 「おまけに」 must go the same direction; if they're opposite, use 「でも」.
-
Wrong（報告書に）納期が遅れた。おまけに費用も増えた。
The delivery deadline was delayed. Moreover, costs also increased.
Correct（報告書に）納期が遅れた。さらに、費用も増えた。
「おまけに」 is colloquial; formal writing uses 「さらに」.
Exam tips
- 「おまけに」 = on top of that (colloquial, often complaining); both parts go the same direction.