Japanese grammar
What does ～。その上、～ mean? Japanese grammar N3
～。その上、～ means furthermore, in addition; on top of that (adding aligned points).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Sentence A。その上、sentence B Sentence A。そのうえ、sentence B |
| Romaji | .sonoue, |
| Meaning | furthermore, in addition; on top of that (adding aligned points) |
Forming it
| Within one sentence | 雨が降っている上に、風も強い。（～上に） |
|---|---|
| Connecting two sentences | 頭がいい。その上、スポーツも得意だ。 |
How to use it
Adds ANOTHER point in the same direction as what was just said. Both clauses must be either both positive or both negative.
- 「その上」 is a conjunction at the start of the following sentence, adding ANOTHER reason/trait about the same subject: 「安い。その上、味もいい」.
- Must be in the SAME DIRECTION: praise followed by more praise, criticism followed by more criticism. 「安い。その上、まずい」 sounds awkward because the two clauses conflict — in that case use 「でも」.
- Same group: 「しかも」 (written, more emphatic), 「さらに」 (escalating), 「おまけに」 (colloquial, mostly for unlucky things). To combine into ONE sentence, use 「～上に」.
Examples
この店は安い。その上、味もいい。
This restaurant is cheap. On top of that, the food is good.
昨日は電車が遅れた。その上、雨にも降られた。
Yesterday the train was late. On top of that, I got caught in the rain.
Keep in mind
- Placed at the start of the following sentence, followed by 「、」.
- Both clauses must be either both positive or both negative.
Common mistakes
-
Wrongこの店は安い。その上、まずい。
This restaurant is cheap. But it's bad.
Correctこの店は安い。でも、まずい。
「その上」 only adds points in the SAME direction; conflicting clauses must use 「でも／しかし」.
-
Wrongこの店は安いその上、味もいい。
This restaurant is cheap. What's more, the food is also good.
Correctこの店は安い。その上、味もいい。
「その上」 is a conjunction that opens the following sentence — the previous sentence must be finished first. To combine into one sentence, write 「安い上に」.
Exam tips
- 「その上」 = moreover (same direction); to combine into one sentence use 「～上に」.