Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| その上に | sono ue ni | |
| しかも | shikamo | [ɕi̥ka̠mo̞] (narrow) |
その上に is a neutral way to add a layer of information. しかも is frequently used when the second piece of information reinforces the first, often adding a sense of "and to make matters even more [good/bad/surprising]…".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase その上に literally means "on top of that".
Which one should you use?
その上に is a more neutral way to add a layer of information, whereas しかも is often used to add information that emphasizes a surprising or unexpected quality.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal writing or structured speech, その上に is more suitable. For a more conversational tone, use しかも. There are also other options based on register: その上（そんじょう） and さらに are formal options for both written and spoken Japanese, while それに and おまけに are informal expressions. おまけに is often used in written Japanese such as casual articles or personal narratives.
How do you pronounce it?
sono ue ni
Did you know?
- The informal word おまけに comes from おまけ, which refers to a free gift or a bonus item given by a shopkeeper during a purchase.
- Using おまけに usually implies a negative outcome, similar to saying 'to make matters worse' in English, even though its root word is positive.
- The phrase その上に uses the word 'top' (うえ) to create a physical metaphor for logic. It functions by stacking information vertically, as if you are literally placing a new fact on top of the previous one.
Examples in context
- 彼女は美しいです。その上、才能もあります。She is beautiful. Moreover, she is also talented.
- 新しいアイデアがあります。さらに、予算も確保できました。I have a new idea. Moreover, I secured the budget.
- 映画を観た。それに、友達と食事に行った。I watched a movie. Moreover, I went out to eat with my friend.
- 今日はジョギングをした。おまけに、新しいシューズも買ってきた。I went jogging today. Moreover, I also bought new shoes.
- その上に、雨も降ってきました。Sono ue ni, ame mo futte kimashita.Moreover, it has started to rain.
- この店は安いです。その上に、とても美味しいです。Kono mise wa yasui desu. Sono ue ni, totemo oishii desu.This shop is cheap. Moreover, it is very delicious.
- 彼は英語が話せます。その上に、数学も得意です。Kare wa eigo ga hanasemasu. Sono ue ni, suugaku mo tokui desu.He can speak English. Moreover, he is good at math.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a new apartment.
- 陽葵 Himariあのアパートは駅から近いです。Ano apaato wa eki kara chikai desu.That apartment is close to the station.
- 健太 Kentaその上に、家賃も安いですね。Sono ue ni, yachin mo yasui desu ne.Moreover, the rent is cheap, isn't it?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、とても条件が良いです。Hai, totemo jouken ga yoi desu.Yes, the conditions are very good.
- 健太 Kentaすぐに決めたほうがいいですよ。Sugu ni kimeta hou ga ii desu yo.You should decide quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “moreover” translations and entries しかも, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
