Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
文A。それに 文B (Bun A. Soreni Bun B)

文A。それに 文B (Bun A. Soreni Bun B)

Short explanation:

Express 'in addition to; besides,' used to include additional information.

Formation:

Sentence A + それに + Sentence B

Examples:

彼は頭がいい。それに、スポーツも得意だ。
Kare wa atama ga ii. Soreni, supo-tsu mo tokui da.
He is smart. In addition, he is good at sports.
このケーキはおいしい。それに、値段も安い。
Kono keeki wa oishii. Soreni, nedan mo yasui.
This cake is delicious. Besides, the price is also cheap.
私は日本語が話せます。それに、韓国語も話せます。
Watashi wa nihongo ga hanasemasu. Soreni, kankokugo mo hanasemasu.
I can speak Japanese. On top of that, I can also speak Korean.
彼女は美人だ。それに、性格もいい。
Kanojo wa bijin da. Soreni, seikaku mo ii.
She is beautiful. In addition, she has a good personality.

Long explanation:

This grammar point 文A。それに 文B is used to express an additional statement on what was mentioned earlier. It can be translated as 'in addition to,' 'besides,' or 'on top of that,' in English. It connects two sentences by highlighting supplementary information, opinions, or reasons.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: 文A。それに 文B (Bun A. Soreni Bun B)

Japanese Grammar Point: 文A。それに 文B (Bun A. Soreni Bun B)

文A。それに 文B (Bun A. それに Bun B)

1. Introduction

In Japanese, effectively connecting sentences to add information is essential for fluent communication. The grammar point "それに (sore ni)" is a useful conjunction that means "moreover," "in addition," or "furthermore". It allows speakers to smoothly add information to a previous statement.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

"それに" is used to add additional information to a previous statement. It emphasizes that the new information is equally important or provides further support to what has been said.

Structure

The basic structure is:

[Sentence A]。それに、[Sentence B]。
  • Sentence A (文A): An initial statement.
  • それに: Conjunction meaning "moreover" or "in addition".
  • Sentence B (文B): An additional statement that complements or reinforces Sentence A.

Formation Diagram

Component Role
文A Initial statement
Sentence-ending period
それに Conjunction ("moreover", "in addition")
Comma (optional for clarity)
文B Additional statement adding to 文A
Sentence-ending period

3. Comparative Analysis

それに vs. そして vs. さらに

Conjunction Meaning Usage
それに "Moreover", "in addition" Adds significant new information
そして "And then", "and" Connects events in sequence
さらに "Furthermore", "what's more" Adds emphasis to additional info
  • それに vs. そして: While both connect sentences, それに emphasizes adding information, whereas そして often indicates a sequence of events.
  • それに vs. さらに: Both mean "furthermore", but さらに adds more emphasis and is often used in formal contexts.

4. Examples in Context

Example 1: Adding Information About Weather

Japanese:
今日は寒いです。それに、雨も降っています。 Reading:
きょう は さむい です。それに、あめ も ふって います。 Translation:
It's cold today. Moreover, it's raining.

Example 2: Enhancing a Positive Statement

Japanese:
彼女は優しいです。それに、頭もいいです。 Reading:
かのじょ は やさしい です。それに、あたま も いい です。 Translation:
She is kind. In addition, she's smart.

Example 3: Emphasizing Multiple Benefits

Japanese:
このスマートフォンは安いです。それに、デザインも素敵です。 Reading:
この スマートフォン は やすい です。それに、デザイン も すてき です。 Translation:
This smartphone is inexpensive. Furthermore, the design is great.

Example 4: Formal Context

Japanese:
新しいプロジェクトは成功しました。それに、チームの協力も素晴らしかったです。 Reading:
あたらしい プロジェクト は せいこう しました。それに、チーム の きょうりょく も すばらしかった です。 Translation:
The new project was a success. Moreover, the team's cooperation was excellent.

Example 5: Negative Context

Japanese:
その計画は時間がかかります。それに、費用も高いです。 Reading:
その けいかく は じかん が かかります。それに、ひよう も たかい です。 Translation:
That plan takes time. Additionally, the cost is high.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

  • Logical Flow: Japanese communication values a logical and harmonious flow of ideas. Using それに helps maintain coherence when adding information.
  • Politeness Levels: それに is neutral and can be used in both casual and formal contexts, making it versatile in conversations and writing.

Idiomatic Expressions

While それに itself is straightforward, it's often used in conjunction with expressions like:

  • しかも: "Moreover", "on top of that" (adds emphasis)
  • その上: "Besides", "what's more"

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

  1. Starting a Conversation with それに Incorrect:
    それに、今日は晴れです。 Why it's incorrect:
    それに should connect to a previous sentence. Without prior context, it confuses the listener.
  2. Using それに to Contrast Information Incorrect:
    彼は忙しいです。それに、手伝ってくれます。 Why it's incorrect:
    If the second sentence contrasts the first, conjunctions like でも ("but") should be used instead.

Tips

  • Ensure Relevance: Make sure Sentence B adds relevant information to Sentence A.
  • Natural Flow: Read sentences aloud to check if それに creates a natural addition to your statement.
  • Avoid Overuse: Using それに too frequently can make speech sound repetitive. Mix with other conjunctions when appropriate.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • それに means "moreover," "in addition," or "furthermore".
  • It's used to add significant additional information to a previous statement.
  • Structure: Sentence A。 それに、Sentence B。
  • Appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What is the primary function of それに in a sentence?
  2. Choose the sentence where それに is used correctly:
    • a) 彼は学生です。それに、アルバイトもしています。
    • b) それに、天気が悪いです。
  3. Translate the following sentence using それに:
    • "The movie was interesting. Furthermore, the soundtrack was amazing."

Answers

  1. To add additional, relevant information to a previous statement.
  2. a) 彼は学生です。それに、アルバイトもしています。
  3. 映画は面白かったです。それに、サウンドトラックも素晴らしかったです。

By understanding and practicing the use of それに, you'll enhance the cohesiveness and fluency of your Japanese communication, making your speech and writing more compelling and natural.

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