お負けに
In addition, On top of that, What is more, To make matters worse
Structure
Explanation
お負けに is a phrase that typically acts as a connector between two parts of a sentence, (A) and (B), to express that (B) happened 'in addition to' (A).
This grammar point originates from the noun お負け, which means a 'bonus' or 'freebie' given on top of a primary purchase (A). Although お負け itself usually refers to something good, the phrase お負けに can mean 'on top of that' or 'to make matters worse', whether the subject is positive or negative. However, both (A) and (B) must share the same sentiment; they will either both be good or both be bad.
As a combination of お負け and the particle に, this expression will be found at the start of a new sentence or at the beginning of the second clause in a two-part sentence.
- 道で転んでケガをしたし、おまけに大事な傘も壊れてしまった。I fell in the street and got hurt, and to top it all off, my favorite umbrella broke too.
- このレストランは料理が最高で、おまけに値段も安い。The food at this restaurant is fantastic, and what's more, it's cheap too.
- 急に大雨が降ってきた。おまけに、傘を持ってくるのを忘れた。It suddenly started pouring rain. To make matters worse, I forgot to bring an umbrella.
Fun-fact
A key difference between a phrase like それに and お負けに is that お負けに retains its original nuance of (B) being a 'bonus' of sorts. This implies that (A) is already sufficient to establish a certain situation or feeling on its own. (B) is just an extra element that serves as 'icing on the cake' in a good situation, or adds 'insult to injury' in a bad one.
Examples
仕事を早く終わらせて、御負けに上司が晩ご飯を奢ってくれた。
I finished my work early, and on top of that, my boss treated me to dinner.
雑誌を買ったら、御負けに可愛いクリアファイルがついてきた。
When I bought the magazine, it came with a cute clear file folder as a bonus. (in addition)
寝坊して電車に乗り遅れた。御負けに、家にスマホを忘れてきた。
I overslept and missed my train. To make matters worse, I left my phone at home.
ホテルの部屋は景色が良くて、御負けに朝食も美味しかった。
The hotel room had a great view, and what's more, the breakfast was delicious.
風邪で熱があって、御負けに喉まで痛くなってきた。
I have a fever from a cold, and on top of that, my throat has started to hurt too.
コンサートで良い席が取れて、御負けにアンコールで一曲多く演奏してくれた。
I got great seats at the concert, and on top of that, they played an extra song for the encore.
魚を焦がしてしまって、御負けに皿まで割ってしまった。
I burned the fish, and to make matters worse, I even broke the plate.
私の日本語の先生はとても親切で、御負けに教え方も上手だ。
My Japanese teacher is very kind, and what's more, she's a great teacher. (in addition)
このアパートは駅から遠いし、御負けに家賃も高い。
This apartment is far from the station, and on top of that, the rent is expensive.
誕生日に本をくれて、御負けに手紙まで添えてくれた。
He gave me a book for my birthday, and in addition, he even included a letter.
飛行機が遅れて、御負けに預けた荷物まで無くなった。
The plane was delayed, and to make matters worse, my checked baggage went missing.
このラーメンは美味しいし、御負けに替え玉が無料だ。
This ramen is delicious, and what's more, you get a free noodle refill. (on top of that)