Processing keyword: ～上に (〜ue ni)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～上に (〜ue ni)

～上に (〜うえに)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～上に (〜うえに) is a conjunction in Japanese that means "in addition to", "on top of", or "moreover". It is used to express that something has not only one attribute or situation but also another, often amplifying the statement's overall meaning.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• "In addition to..."
• "Moreover..."
• "Besides..."

Structure

The structure of ～上に is used to connect two clauses where the second clause adds more information to the first clause. [Clause 1]＋上に、[Clause 2]

Formation Diagram

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with ～だけでなく (not only...)

While both ～上に and ～だけでなく indicate addition, ～上に often carries an implication that the added information intensifies the situation, either positively or negatively.

• ～上に: Adds emphasis, often with a similar tone (both positive or both negative).
• ～だけでなく: Neutral addition, can mix positive and negative attributes.

4. Examples in Context

Formal

1. 彼は仕事が速い上に、正確です。
   • He is not only quick with his work but also accurate.
2. この製品は品質が良い上に、価格も手頃です。
   • This product not only has good quality but is also affordable.

Informal

1. 今日は寒い上に、雨も降っている。
   • Today, it's not only cold but also raining.
2. あのレストランは美味しい上に、サービスもいいよ。
   • That restaurant is not only delicious but also has good service.

Written

1. 彼女は成績が優秀な上に、スポーツも得意だ。
   • She not only has excellent grades but is also good at sports.

Spoken

1. この道は狭い上に、交通量も多いから気をつけて。
   • This road is not only narrow but also has heavy traffic, so be careful.

5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Formality

• ～上に can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• It is appropriate for business situations, essays, and daily conversations.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 泣きっ面に蜂 (なきっつらにはち): Similar to "adding insult to injury," though not using ～上に, it conveys a compounded negative situation.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mixing Positive and Negative Clauses: Using ～上に when the first clause is positive and the second is negative (or vice versa) is unnatural.
  • Incorrect: 彼は優しい上に、怒りっぽい。
  • Correct: 彼は優しい だけでなく、怒りっぽい。

Learning Strategies

• Consistency in Tone: Ensure that both clauses connected by ～上に share the same positive or negative tone.
• Mnemonic Device: Think of 上 (up) as stacking similar qualities on top of each other.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～上に is used to add information with the same tone.
• Both clauses should be either positive or negative.
• It emphasizes the addition, intensifying the overall meaning.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with the correct form of ～上に: 彼は親切な___、面白い人です。
2. Is it appropriate to use ～上に in the following sentence? 今日は天気がいい上に、財布を忘れた。
3. Translate the following sentence using ～上に: "The exam was difficult, and on top of that, time was short."

Answers:

1. 彼は親切な上に**、面白い人です。**
2. No, because the clauses have different tones (positive and negative).
3. 試験は難しい上に、時間も足りなかった。