Meaning & Usage
✨ Basic Meaning
“In addition to,” “on top of that,” “as well as.”
🎯 Primary Function
To connect two clauses, indicating that the second clause adds another layer or condition to the first clause. It implies that something else is happening or is true in addition to what was already stated.
📋 Grammar Structure
[Verb (dictionary form / た form)] + 上に
[い-Adjective (dictionary form)] + 上に
[な-Adjective (な form)] + 上に
[Noun] + の + 上に
🎭 Usage Contexts
Formal Situations
Commonly used in formal writing and structured speech to list multiple reasons, conditions, or qualities.
Informal Situations
Can be used, but less frequent than simpler connectors like 「それに」 or just listing with 「〜し、〜し」.
Written Language
Very common in written Japanese (articles, reports, essays) to provide detailed descriptions or arguments.
Spoken Language
Used in spoken language, particularly in formal or semi-formal contexts, to present information clearly.
💡 Common Applications
Listing multiple positive attributes or conditions.
Used when describing something or someone that possesses several good qualities or beneficial conditions.
Example: 彼女は頭がいい上に、性格も優しい。 (Kanojo wa atama ga ii ue ni, seikaku mo yasashii.) – She is smart, and on top of that, she also has a kind personality.
Listing multiple negative attributes or conditions.
Used to describe something or someone that has several bad qualities or undesirable conditions, often implying the situation is worsening.
Example: このスマホは高い上に、使いにくい。 (Kono sumaho wa takai ue ni, tsukainikui.) – This smartphone is expensive, and on top of that, it’s hard to use.
Adding a reinforcing fact or event.
Used to state an additional fact or event that reinforces or adds weight to the preceding statement.
Example: 昨日は疲れていた上に、寝不足だった。 (Kinou wa tsukarete ita ue ni, nebusoku datta.) – Yesterday I was tired, and on top of that, I didn’t get enough sleep.
Frequency
Moderately frequent, especially in written and formal spoken Japanese.
Difficulty
Intermediate (JLPT N3). Requires understanding of the connection forms.
Example Sentences
このレストランは美味しい上に、値段も安い。
This restaurant is delicious, and on top of that, the price is also cheap.
彼は日本語が話せる上に、中国語も少しわかる。
He can speak Japanese, and in addition, he also understands a little Chinese.
雨が降っている上に、風も強い。
It’s raining, and on top of that, the wind is also strong.
Notes & Nuances
📌 Important Points
Adding an extra condition or reason.
「上に」 is used to add another point (reason, condition, quality) that reinforces or adds to the preceding point. The second point is seen as being “on top of” the first.
Example: 道が混んでいる上に、事故もあった。 (Michi ga konde iru ue ni, jiko mo atta.) – The road is crowded, and on top of that, there was also an accident.
Can express either positive or negative accumulation.
Unlike some patterns, 「上に」 can be used to add either positive attributes (making something even better) or negative attributes (making something even worse).
Example: positive: このケーキは見た目が綺麗な上に、とても美味しい。(Kono keeki wa mitame ga kirei na ue ni, totemo oishii.) – This cake looks beautiful, and it’s also very delicious.
negative: 昨日は忙しかった上に、体調も悪かった。(Kinou wa isogashikatta ue ni, taichou mo warukatta.) – Yesterday I was busy, and on top of that, I wasn’t feeling well.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
❌ Incorrectly connecting to a noun or な-adjective without の or な.
✅ Ensure you use 「名詞 + の上に」 and 「な形容詞 + な上に」.
The connection rules are specific. Nouns require の and な-adjectives require な before 上に.
❌ Confusing with simple listing or contrastive patterns.
✅ Recognize that 上に implies the second point is added to the first, often reinforcing the overall state, rather than just listing unrelated items or showing a contrast.
While similar to 「それに」 or 「〜し」, 上に emphasizes the additive nature and typically presents points that contribute to a single overall impression (good or bad).
🏛️ Cultural Context
Politeness Level: Generally neutral to slightly formal. Suitable for most standard communication.
Social Situations: Applicable in a wide range of social contexts where clear, structured communication is desired.
Regional Variations: Standard Japanese; no significant regional variations in meaning or usage.
🔍 Subtle Differences
「上に」 vs 「それに」
「上に」 emphasizes the additive nature of the second point *on top of* the first, often reinforcing the overall impression. 「それに」 is a more general term for “in addition” or “what’s more,” simply adding another piece of information which may or may not strongly relate to or reinforce the first.
When to use: Use 「上に」 when the second point adds a reinforcing layer to the first, making something more desirable or undesirable. Use 「それに」 for simply adding extra information.
「上に」 vs 「〜し、〜し」
「〜し、〜し」 is often used to list reasons or conditions, frequently leading to a conclusion. It can feel more like listing parallel items. 「上に」 explicitly states the second item is *added* to the first.
When to use: Use 「上に」 when emphasizing that one condition exists, and then another is layered *on top* of it. Use 「〜し、〜し」 for listing multiple reasons or features leading to a conclusion, or for a more casual listing.
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📝 Conjugation Notes
Verbs: Dictionary form or た form. い-Adjectives: Dictionary form. な-Adjectives: Add な before 上に. Nouns: Add の before 上に.
🔊 Pronunciation Tips
Pronounced “ue ni”. 「上」 here is read 訓読み (kun’yomi) as うえ.
🧠 Memory Tips
Think of “on top of” – literally “on top of the first point, there is also the second point.”
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct particle/form to complete the sentence: 彼は真面目（ ）勉強もよくできる。
である上に
な上に
のの上に
な
Choose the correct particle/form to complete the sentence: この映画は長い（ ）少し退屈だ。
い上に
な上に
うえに
のうえに
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