Japanese grammar
What does ～上に mean? Japanese grammar N2
～上に means not only… but also….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Plain form + 上に な形 + な + 上に N + の + 上に |
| Romaji | ueni |
| Meaning | not only… but also… |
Forming it
| Noun | 病気 → 病気の上に |
|---|---|
| i-adjective | 頭がいい → 頭がいい上に |
| na-adjective | 親切 → 親切な上に |
How to use it
Adds ONE MORE point of the same polarity within a SINGLE sentence. Different from 「その上」 (which connects two sentences).
- 「A上にB」 = not only A but also B: 「この部屋は狭い上に、日当たりも悪い」.
- The two clauses MUST be the same polarity (both positive or both negative) — this is the most commonly violated constraint.
- A na-adjective connects with 「な」, a noun connects with 「の」. To split it into two sentences, use 「その上」 (N3-068).
Examples
この部屋は狭い上に、日当たりも悪い。
This room is cramped and, on top of that, gets little sunlight.
彼は仕事が早い上に、丁寧だ。
He works fast and, on top of that, carefully.
Keep in mind
- Both clauses are the same polarity.
- A na-adjective attaches with 「な」, a noun with 「の」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrongこの部屋は狭い上に、家賃は安い。
This room is small but the rent is cheap.
Correctこの部屋は狭いが、家賃は安い。
For opposite polarity clauses, use 「が」.
-
Wrong親切上に、まじめだ。
Not only kind but also serious.
Correct親切な上に、まじめだ。
A na-adjective connects via 「な」.
Exam tips
- 「上に」 = not only… but also (SAME polarity, within one sentence).