Processing keyword: A その上 B (A sono ue B)

Japanese Grammar Point: A その上 B (A sono ue B)

A その上 B (A sono ue B)

1. Introduction

The phrase その上 (sono ue) is a conjunction in Japanese that means "on top of that," "in addition," or "furthermore." It is used to connect two statements, A and B, where B provides additional information that enhances or reinforces the point made in A. This grammar point is particularly useful for expressing cumulative reasons or listing multiple favorable (or unfavorable) factors.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• English Equivalent: "On top of that," "In addition," "Furthermore," "Moreover."
• Function: Connects two clauses where the second clause adds more information to the first.

Structure

A。その上、B。

• A: A statement or fact.
• その上: Conjunction meaning "in addition."
• B: An additional statement that supports or adds to A.

Formation Diagram

[Clause A]。 + その上、+ [Clause B]。

3. Comparative Analysis

• その上 vs. さらに:
  • その上 is slightly more formal and neutral.
  • さらに often implies escalation.
• その上 vs. しかも:
  • しかも adds unexpected or surprising information.
  • その上 is more straightforward addition.

4. Examples in Context

Example 1: Positive Addition

Sentence:

• 昨日は楽しかったです。その上、美味しい食事もできました。
• Kinō wa tanoshikatta desu. Sono ue, oishii shokuji mo dekimashita. Translation:
• "Yesterday was fun. On top of that, I was able to enjoy a delicious meal."

Example 2: Accumulating Reasons

Sentence:

• この本は内容が面白い。その上、価格も安いです。
• Kono hon wa naiyō ga omoshiroi. Sono ue, kakaku mo yasui desu. Translation:
• "This book's content is interesting. In addition, it's also affordable."

Example 3: Formal Context

Sentence:

• 彼の提案は現実的だ。その上、費用も抑えられる。
• Kare no teian wa genjitsuteki da. Sono ue, hiyō mo osaerareru. Translation:
• "His proposal is practical. Furthermore, it can also reduce costs."

Example 4: Negative Addition

Sentence:

• 今日は道に迷った。その上、雨にも降られた。
• Kyō wa michi ni mayotta. Sono ue, ame ni mo furareta. Translation:
• "Today, I got lost. On top of that, I also got caught in the rain."

Example 5: Casual Spoken Context

Sentence:

• あの店はサービスが悪い。その上、値段も高い。
• Ano mise wa sābisu ga warui. Sono ue, nedan mo takai. Translation:
• "That shop has poor service. Moreover, the prices are high."

5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Formality

• その上 is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.
• It is slightly more formal than しかも and can be safely used in business or academic settings.

Idiomatic Expressions

• While その上 itself is straightforward, it is often used in contexts where layering information is culturally significant, reflecting the Japanese communication style of building context.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Confusing with そして (soshite):
   • Incorrect: 天気は良かった。そして、楽しかった。
   • Correct: 天気は良かった。その上、楽しかった。 Explanation: そして simply means "and then," while その上 adds emphasis on additional information.
2. Using in Contradictory Statements:
   • Incorrect: 彼は親切です。その上、彼が嫌いです。
   • Correct: 彼は親切です。でも、彼が嫌いです。 Explanation: その上 should connect complementary or cumulative information, not contradictory.

Tips

• Mnemonic Device: Think of stacking blocks—その上 adds another block "on top" of the previous one.
• Usage Tip: Use その上 when you want to emphasize that B adds significant weight to A.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• その上 means "on top of that" or "in addition."
• Used to add information that complements or reinforces the previous statement.
• Appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.
• Be careful not to use it with contradictory information.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does その上 mean in English? a) But
   b) On top of that
   c) Therefore
2. Choose the sentence that correctly uses その上: a) 彼は疲れている。その上、眠れない。
   b) 彼は疲れている。その上、元気だ。
3. Fill in the blank with the correct conjunction: 天気が悪い。___、出かけたくない。

Answers:

1. b) On top of that
2. a) 彼は疲れている。その上、眠れない。
3. その上