上に
As well, Besides, In addition to
Structure
［い］Adjective + 上(に)
［な］Adjective + な(1) + 上(に)
Noun + の(1) + 上(に)
(1) である
Explanation
上に is a grammar structure used to present an additional fact or quality. It carries the meaning of 'on top of (A)...', 'not only (A), but also (B)...', or 'furthermore...'. It is generally used in slightly more formal situations.
Verbs (plain form) and い-adjectives can attach directly to 上に. な-adjectives must be followed by な上に, and nouns must be followed by の上に. In some cases, the final particle に can be omitted without any change in meaning.
- 僕のスマホはすぐ充電がなくなる上に熱くなるので、そろそろ買い替えたい。On top of the battery dying quickly, my phone also gets hot, so I want to replace it soon.
- この部屋は狭い上に暗いから、あまり好きじゃない。I don't really like this room because not only is it cramped, but it's also dark.
- 山田先生は親切な上に教え方が上手なので、学生に人気があります。Mr. Yamada is popular with students because he is kind and, what's more, he's a great teacher.
- 彼は学業優秀の上にスポーツも万能なので、クラスのみんなから尊敬されている。He is respected by everyone in the class because in addition to his outstanding grades, he's also a gifted athlete.
For な-adjectives and nouns, a more formal alternative is to use the pattern である上に.
- この町は静かである上に景色もきれいなので、老後に住みたいです。This town is quiet, and furthermore, the scenery is beautiful, so I'd like to live here when I'm older.
- 田中さんは有名な画家である上に、プロのピアニストとしても活躍している。Ms. Tanaka is a famous painter, and on top of that, she is also active as a professional pianist.
Caution
上に connects two ideas that share the same positive or negative evaluation. For instance, it can link two positive qualities or two negative qualities, but not one of each.
- このカバンは丈夫な上にとても軽いので、旅行にぴったりだ。This bag is perfect for travel because it is durable and, moreover, very light. (Natural Japanese)
- あの仕事は給料が高い上に残業が多いから、大変そうだ。That job seems tough because in addition to the high salary, there's a lot of overtime. (Unnatural Japanese)
Examples
この新しいスマホは軽い上に、バッテリーも長持ちする。
In addition to being lightweight, this new smartphone's battery lasts a long time. (on top of that)
荷物は早く届いた上に、中身も無事だった。
The package arrived early, and on top of that, its contents were undamaged. (in addition to)
あの先生は親切な上に、説明も分かりやすい。
That teacher is kind, and what's more, his explanations are easy to understand. (on top of that)
このスープは栄養満点な上に、作るのも簡単です。
As well as being highly nutritious, this soup is also easy to make. (on top of that)
この仕事は難しい上に、給料も安い。
This job is difficult, and what's more, the pay is low. (on top of that)
道に迷った上に、雨まで降り出してきた。
On top of getting lost, it even started to rain. (to make matters worse)
部長は文句を言う上に、自分の仕事も人に押し付ける。
My boss complains a lot, and on top of that, he pushes his own work onto other people. (in addition to)
この辺りは静かな上に、治安もとても良い。
This area is quiet, in addition to being very safe. (on top of that)
昨日は寝不足の上に、残業まであって、くたくただった。
On top of being sleep-deprived, I had to work overtime yesterday, so I was exhausted. (in addition to)
あの俳優は演技が上手な上に、歌も歌える。
That actor is skilled at acting, and what's more, he can sing too. (on top of that)
彼女は頭が良い上に、スポーツも万能だ。
She is smart, in addition to)
彼に貸したお金は返ってこない上に、連絡までとれなくなった。
Not only have I not gotten back the money I lent him, he's stopped contacting me altogether. (on top of that)