にもまして
Even -er than, Even more than, More than anything, More than anybody, More than ever
Structure
何にもまして
誰にもまして
いつにもまして
Explanation
The pattern にもまして is used to express that something has exceeded a previous standard or comparison point. It is often used to highlight that a quality or state, which was already at a certain level, has now become even greater. It can be translated as 'even more than (A), (B)' or 'more than ever, (B)'.
Structurally, にもまして is formed from the particle に, the adverbial particle も (meaning 'even'), and the て-form of the verb 増す (to increase). The particle に attaches to the noun being used for comparison, establishing it as the baseline. Therefore, the phrase literally means something like 'increasing even from (A), (B)'.
- 今年の夏は例年にもまして、暑さが厳しい。This summer is even more brutally hot than usual.
- うちの赤ちゃんは、昨日にもまして今日はよく泣く。Our baby is crying even more than yesterday.
It is common to see this grammar point used with question words such as 誰 (who), 何 (what), and いつ (when). When used this way, the comparison point (A) becomes a general concept like 'anyone', 'anything', or 'any other time/ever'.
- 田中さんは誰にもまして他人に親切だ。Tanaka-san is kinder to others than anyone else.
- 健康であることは、何にもまして貴重な財産だ。Good health is a precious asset, more so than anything else.
- 今日の夕日はいつにもまして美しかった。Today's sunset was more beautiful than ever.
Examples
昨日のコンサートは、以前にもまして会場が熱気に包まれていた。
The concert yesterday was filled with an energy that was even more intense than before.
誰にもまして、母はいつも私のことを心配してくれる。
My mother worries about me more than anyone else.
原作の小説も素晴らしいが、映画はそれにもまして感動的だった。
The original novel was wonderful, but the movie was even more moving than that.
一度試験に落ちてから、彼は以前にもまして熱心に勉強するようになった。
After failing the exam once, he started studying even more enthusiastically than before.
今年の紅葉は例年にもまして色鮮やかだ。
This year's autumn leaves are even more vibrant than in a typical year.
個人の技術も大事だが、それにもましてチームワークが勝利の鍵となる。
Individual skill is important, but even more crucial than that, teamwork is the key to victory.
あのレストランのパスタは、どこにもましておいしいと聞いている。
I've heard that the pasta at that restaurant is more delicious than anywhere else.
疲れている時でも、子供の笑顔を見ると何にもまして癒される。
Even when I'm tired, seeing my child's smile is more healing than anything else.
新しいゲームのラスボスは、これまでにもまして強くて倒せない。
The final boss in the new game is even stronger than any before, and I can't beat it.
校長先生の卒業スピーチは、誰の言葉にもまして私たちの心に残った。
The principal's graduation speech remained in our hearts more than anyone else's words.
深夜の図書館は、どこにもまして静かで集中できる。
The library late at night is quieter than anywhere else, so I can really concentrate.
道に迷ってしまった。それにもまして最悪なことに、スマートフォンの充電が切れてしまった。
I got lost. And even worse than that, my smartphone's battery died.