しかも
Moreover, Furthermore
Structure
Explanation
The conjunction しかも is used to add another piece of information to a previous statement, similar to saying 'on top of that' or 'in addition'. It links two ideas, (A) and (B), that are true simultaneously. しかも is typically used to present objective information or facts that build upon the initial statement, rather than expressing personal feelings.
Being a conjunction, しかも can connect two clauses within a single sentence or be placed at the start of a new sentence that logically follows the previous one.
- このスマホは値段が安い。しかも、カメラの性能もかなりいい。This smartphone is inexpensive, and on top of that, its camera performance is quite good.
- 新しいアパートは広いし、日当たりもいい。しかも、駅からとても近い。The new apartment is spacious and gets good sunlight. What's more, it's very close to the station.
- あのレストランは料理がまずいし、値段も高い。しかも、サービスが悪いから、もう二度と行かない。That restaurant's food is bad, and it's expensive too. Furthermore, the service is poor, so I'm never going again.
In many cases, the first statement (A) provides the main point, and the second statement (B) serves as additional, reinforcing information that builds upon it.
Fun-fact
The word しかも has its roots in classical Japanese, formed by merging the adverb 然, meaning 'like that' or 'so', with the particle も, meaning 'also'. This origin mirrors English expressions like 'and also' or 'on top of that', where new information is layered onto an existing idea.
Fun-fact
While almost always written in hiragana today, しかも can occasionally be written with kanji as 而も or 併も, though these forms are very uncommon in contemporary texts.
Examples
このアパートは駅から遠い。しかも、家賃が高い。
This apartment is far from the station. What's more, the rent is expensive.
このスマホはデザインが良い。しかも、とても軽い。
This smartphone has a great design. On top of that, it's very light.
田中さんは頭が良い。しかも、スポーツもできる。
Mr. Tanaka is smart. Moreover, he's also good at sports.
電車に乗り遅れた。しかも、財布を忘れてきた。
I missed my train. And to top it all off, I forgot my wallet.
しかも、雨まで降りだした。
On top of that, it even started to rain.
そのレストランは景色が最高だ。しかも、料理もおいしい。
That restaurant has an amazing view. Furthermore, the food is delicious.
彼は約束を破った。しかも、謝りもしない。
He broke his promise. What's more, he won't even apologize.
今、パソコンを買うとプリンターが無料だ。しかも、三年保証つきだ。
If you buy a PC now, you get a free printer. Moreover, it comes with a three-year warranty.
宿題がたくさんある。しかも、明日の朝までに提出しなければならない。
I have a ton of homework. On top of that, I have to turn it in by tomorrow morning.
彼女は美人だ。しかも、歌も上手なんだ。
She is beautiful, and what's more, she's a great singer.
試験は難しかった。しかも、時間が足りなかった。
The exam was difficult. Furthermore, there wasn't enough time.
このカバンは防水です。しかも、デザインもおしゃれなんです。
This bag is waterproof. Moreover, it has a stylish design.