Meaning & Usage
その上 is a conjunction used to stack information and reinforce a point. It translates to "furthermore," "moreover," or "on top of that." Unlike the basic "and," this grammar point signals that the second piece of information adds extra weight or impact to your statement.
The most important rule for その上 is consistent polarity. This means you must keep the vibe consistent. If your first point is positive, the second must also be positive. If the first is negative, the second must be negative as well. It acts like a "piling on" mechanism. For instance, if a restaurant has great food and great service, その上 works perfectly. However, you cannot use it to pivot from a compliment to a complaint.
Regarding formality, その上 is quite versatile. It is a step up from the casual それに (sore ni) but doesn't feel as stiff as the academic さらに (sarani). You will hear it in polite daily conversation and see it frequently in news reports or business emails. Using it tells your listener: "Wait, there is more, and this next point is just as significant!"
Structure & Formation
Using その上 is straightforward because it usually begins a new sentence. It bridges two independent thoughts that share the same theme and emotional tone.
| Context | Structure |
|---|---|
| Standard Use | [Sentence 1]。その上、[Sentence 2]。 |
| Combining Clauses | [Sentence 1]し、その上[Sentence 2]。 |
The word literally means "above that," creating a mental image of placing one fact on top of another. While it usually starts a sentence, it can follow a comma in longer, compound sentences. It works with nouns, verbs, and adjectives alike.
Example Sentences
Positive Reinforcement
Use these examples to practice stacking good qualities or benefits.
この家は駅に近いです。その上、家賃もとても安いです。
Kono ie wa eki ni chikai desu. Sono ue, yachin mo totemo yasui desu.
This house is close to the station. Furthermore, the rent is very cheap.
あの店の料理は美味しいです。その上、量もたっぷりあります。
Ano mise no ryouri wa oishii desu. Sono ue, ryou mo tappuri arimasu.
The food at that shop is delicious. Moreover, the portions are very generous.
彼女は頭が良いです。その上、スポーツも得意です。
Kanojo wa atama ga yoi desu. Sono ue, supootsu mo tokui desu.
She is smart. On top of that, she is also good at sports.
今日は天気がとてもいいです。その上、風がなくて暖かいです。
Kyou wa tenki ga totemo ii desu. Sono ue, kaze ga nakute atatakai desu.
The weather is very nice today. Furthermore, there is no wind and it is warm.
最新のモデルは軽いです。その上、操作も簡単です。
Saishin no moderu wa karui desu. Sono ue, sousa mo kantan desu.
The latest model is light. Moreover, the operation is simple.
Negative Reinforcement
These examples show how to list unfortunate or frustrating circumstances.
昨日は道に迷ってしまいました。その上、雨まで降ってきました。
Kinou wa michi ni mayotte shimaimashita. Sono ue, ame made futte kimashita.
I got lost yesterday. On top of that, it even started to rain.
財布を忘れました。その上、スマホの電池も切れてしまいました。
Saifu wo wasuremashita. Sono ue, sumaho no denchi mo kirete shimaimashita.
I forgot my wallet. Furthermore, my smartphone battery died.
この仕事は忙しいです。その上、給料も低いです。
Kono shigoto wa isogashii desu. Sono ue, kyuuryou mo hikui desu.
This job is busy. On top of that, the salary is low.
彼は遅刻しました。その上、宿題も忘れました。
Kare wa chikoku shimashita. Sono ue, shukudai mo wasuremashita.
He was late. Furthermore, he forgot his homework.
喉が痛いです。その上、熱も高くなってきました。
Nodo ga itai desu. Sono ue, netsu mo takaku natte kimashita.
My throat hurts. On top of that, I have started to run a high fever.
Describing Features & Business Situations
Use these examples in more formal or descriptive settings.
会議資料は完璧でした。その上、プレゼンも素晴らしかったです。
Kaigi shiryou wa kanpeki deshita. Sono ue, purezen mo subarashikatta desu.
The meeting materials were perfect. On top of that, the presentation was wonderful.
彼は英語が話せます。その上、スペイン語もぺらぺらです。
Kare wa eigo ga hanasemasu. Sono ue, supeingo mo perapera desu.
He can speak English. On top of that, he is fluent in Spanish.
部長は厳しいです。その上、話がとても長いです。
Buchou wa kibishii desu. Sono ue, hanashi ga totemo nagai desu.
The department head is strict. Furthermore, his speeches are very long.
このマンションは新しいです。その上、公園の隣にあります。
Kono manshon wa atarashii desu. Sono ue, kouen no tonari ni arimasu.
This apartment is new. Moreover, it is located next to a park.
彼は料理が上手です。その上、後片付けも早いです。
Kare wa ryouri ga jouzu desu. Sono ue, atokatadzuke mo hayai desu.
He is a good cook. On top of that, he is quick at cleaning up afterward.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Mixing Positive and Negative Vibe
❌ 彼はハンサムです。その上、性格が悪いです。
✅ 彼はハンサムですが、性格が悪いです。
Explanation: その上 cannot link a compliment to a criticism. It is strictly for addition, not contrast. To show a downside, use しかし or 〜が (but) instead.
Mistake 2: Confusing Addition with Chronology
❌ 朝御飯を食べました。その上、会社へ行きました。
✅ 朝御飯を食べてから、会社へ行きました。
Explanation: その上 adds descriptive layers, not sequential steps. For things happening one after another, use それから or the 〜て form.
Mistake 3: Confusing with "Sono ue de"
❌ 説明を読みました。その上、サインをしてください。
✅ 説明を読んだ上で、サインをしてください。
Explanation: その上で means "only after doing A, then do B." It implies that the first action is a requirement for the second. その上 is just for adding extra facts.
Cultural Notes
Japanese speakers often use その上 to build a persuasive case without being overly blunt. When someone justifies a difficult decision—like quitting a job—they might stack multiple reasons (low pay, long commute, mean boss) to make their choice seem inevitable and logical to the listener.
In the world of hospitality (omotenashi), staff use this grammar to highlight "bonus" benefits. A hotel concierge might mention the beautiful view and then add, "その上、無料のドリンクサービスもございます" (Furthermore, we offer free drink service). This approach is designed to pleasantly surprise the guest.
Related Grammar Points
- Master 一方で (Ippou de) - The Art of 'On The Other Hand' (Grammar N3)
- Mastering それに: How to Add Info and Build Arguments (Grammar N3)
- ざるを得ない — Have No Choice But (Grammar N3)
- However (Unexpected Results) (Grammar N3)
- Therefore, For That Reason: そのため (Grammar N3)
- Grammar Point: 気味 (gimi) — A Slight Tendency / Feeling A Bit Like (Grammar N3)
JLPT Tips
In the N3 Reading Section, look for その上 as a signal for the author's tone. If the first sentence is a complaint, the second will definitely be a complaint too. This helps you quickly identify the speaker's overall stance.
For Grammar questions, examiners frequently try to trick you with その後で (after that). Always ask yourself: Is the speaker adding a new layer of description, or are they listing steps in a process? If it's a description, その上 is your answer.
Keep an eye out for the particles も (also) or まで (even) in the second sentence. These are frequent partners with その上 and can help you confirm you have chosen the right conjunction.