Meaning & Usage
The conjunction それに (sore ni) helps you stack information, reasons, or facts to strengthen a point. It combines それ (that) and the particle に (to/addition), literally meaning "added to that." In English, it translates most naturally as "moreover," "besides," or simply "plus."
Think of それに like building a tower. Once you have laid the first piece of information, you stack another on top to reinforce your argument. This is particularly useful when you are trying to persuade someone or explain a decision with multiple reasons. It signals that your first point wasn't the only one worth mentioning.
Regarding its tone, それに is versatile. It works well in daily conversation and standard writing. While formal business contexts might favor stiffer alternatives like 加えて (kuwaete), それに is the standard choice for N3 level communication. Note that the added information must follow the same "direction" as the first. If you start with a compliment, follow it with another positive attribute.
To visualize this, imagine you are explaining why you like a specific restaurant. You might mention the food is great. Then, you use それに to add that the atmosphere is also wonderful. Each point builds upon the last for a stronger impact.
Structure & Formation
Connecting thoughts with それに is straightforward. It usually sits at the start of a new sentence to link it to the previous one. It connects full ideas rather than single words.
| Context | Pattern |
|---|---|
| Standard Connection | [Sentence 1]。それに、[Sentence 2]。 |
| Casual/Spoken | [Sentence 1]し、それに[Sentence 2]。 |
In casual speech, それに often follows the 〜し (shi) particle. This creates a natural flow when listing multiple reasons. Remember that それに cannot list simple nouns like "apples and oranges." For that, you should stick to particles like と or や.
Example Sentences
Describing Qualities
彼は頭がいいです。それに、とても親切です。
kare wa atama ga ii desu. sore ni, totemo shinsetsu desu.
He is smart. Moreover, he is very kind.
この料理はおいしいです。それに、値段も安いです。
kono ryouri wa oishii desu. sore ni, nedan mo yasui desu.
This food is delicious. Plus, the price is cheap.
この鞄は軽いです。それに、たくさん荷物が入ります。
kono kaban wa karui desu. sore ni, takusan nimotsu ga hairimasu.
This bag is light. On top of that, it holds a lot of stuff.
Giving Reasons
今日は外に出たくありません。雨が降っているし、それに風も強いです。
kyou wa soto ni detaku arimasen. ame ga futte iru shi, sore ni kaze mo tsuyoi desu.
I don't want to go out today. It's raining, and what's more, the wind is strong.
来週の旅行には行けません。仕事が忙しいし、それに体調もよくないんです。
raishuu no ryokou ni wa ikemasen. shigoto ga isogashii shi, sore ni taichou mo yokunai n desu.
I can't go on the trip next week. I'm busy with work, and besides, I'm not feeling well.
Negative Evaluations
あの映画は長すぎます。それに、ストーリーもつまらないです。
ano eiga wa nagasugimasu. sore ni, sutoorii mo tsumaranai desu.
That movie is too long. Besides, the story is boring.
このアパートは駅から遠いです。それに、家賃も高すぎます。
kono apaato wa eki kara tooi desu. sore ni, yachin mo takasugimasu.
This apartment is far from the station. Moreover, the rent is too high.
Work and Skills
彼女は日本語が話せます。それに、フランス語もペラペラです。
kanojo wa nihongo ga hanasemasu. sore ni, furansugo mo perapera desu.
She can speak Japanese. What's more, she is fluent in French.
新しいPCは起動が速いです。それに、画面もとても綺麗です。
atarashii piishii wa kidou ga hayai desu. sore ni, gamen mo totemo kirei desu.
The new PC boots up fast. In addition, the screen is very clear.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Listing Nouns Directly
❌ 林檎、それに蜜柑を買いました。
✅ 林檎と蜜柑を買いました。
それに connects sentences or full thoughts, not items in a grocery list. For simple lists of nouns, use と (and) or や (and others).
Mistake 2: Mixing Up Chronological Order
❌ 宿題をしました。それに、テレビを見ました。
✅ 宿題をしました。それから、テレビを見ました。
それに is for adding supporting points, not describing a sequence. If you want to say "First A, then B," use それから or そして.
Mistake 3: Adding Contradictory Info
❌ この店は有名です。それに、おいしくないです。
✅ この店は有名ですが、おいしくないです。
Points connected by それに must go in the same direction. If the first part is positive and the second is negative, you must use a contrast word like が, でも, or しかし.
Cultural Notes
Native speakers often use それに to soften a refusal. By providing multiple reasons for declining an invitation, you make the situation seem out of your control rather than a personal choice. This helps maintain 和 (wa), or social harmony.
In Japanese shops, you will frequently hear staff using それに to highlight product features. "This watch is waterproof. Plus (それに), it has a lifetime warranty." This layering technique is a staple of persuasive communication in Japan.
Be careful when discussing people's flaws. While grammatically correct, "piling on" negative points with それに can make you sound overly critical or harsh. Use it sparingly when the topic is sensitive.
Related Grammar Points
- Furthermore / On Top of That (Grammar N3)
- Master 一方で (Ippou de) - The Art of 'On The Other Hand' (Grammar N3)
- However (Unexpected Results) (Grammar N3)
- Grammar Point: 気味 (gimi) — A Slight Tendency / Feeling A Bit Like (Grammar N3)
- Japanese Passive Voice (Grammar N3)
- ことにしている — Make It A Rule To / I Always Make Sure To (Grammar N3)
JLPT Tips
On the N3 exam, それに often appears in the reading section. When you spot it, use it as a compass. If the sentence before it is negative, you can bet the next sentence will also be negative. This helps you grasp the author's stance quickly.
In the grammar section, you may have to choose between それに and それから. Ask yourself: Is this about the order of time (then) or adding a reason (plus)? If it is reinforcing an opinion, それに is almost always the correct answer. Focus on that "stacking" logic to avoid confusion.