Japanese grammar
What does A。しかも B。 mean? Japanese grammar N2
A。しかも B。 means moreover, and what's more… (emphasis).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Sentence A。しかも、sentence B。 Sentence A、しかも B |
| Romaji | A.shikamo B. |
| Meaning | moreover, and what's more… (emphasis) |
Forming it
| Praise | おいしい。しかも、安い。 |
|---|---|
| Criticism | ミスが多い。しかも、報告もしない。 |
How to use it
Adds another point in the same direction that carries more weight. More formal than 「その上」, and usable in writing as well.
- 「しかも」 = and what's more. The second part is a NOTABLY stronger plus (or minus) point than the first: 「この料理はおいしい。しかも安い」.
- The two parts must go the same direction — if they're opposite, use 「しかし」 (very easy to confuse the two since they look similar).
- Comparison: 「その上」 (neutral, more colloquial), 「おまけに」 (colloquial, often complaining), 「しかも」 (usable in writing, emphatic).
Examples
この店の料理はおいしい。しかも、値段が安い。
The food at this restaurant is good. What is more, it is cheap.
彼はミスが多い。しかも、それを報告しない。
He makes many mistakes. Moreover, he does not report them.
Keep in mind
- Don't confuse with 「しかし」 (but).
- Both clauses go the same direction.
Common mistakes
-
Wrongこの料理はおいしい。しかも、高い。
This dish is delicious. But it's expensive.
Correctこの料理はおいしい。しかし、高い。
When the two parts go opposite directions, use 「しかし」, not 「しかも」.
-
Wrongおいしいしかも安い。
Delicious. Moreover, it's cheap.
Correctおいしい。しかも安い。
「しかも」 begins the second clause, so a sentence break or comma is needed before it.
Exam tips
- 「しかも」 = moreover (same direction, emphatic); don't confuse with 「しかし」.