GRAMMAR
〜上に
on top of
as well as
Explanation
NOTE
〜上に (うえに) means not only X, but also Y or in addition to X. It adds a second fact in the same direction as the first.
この店は安い上に、おいしい。
This shop is cheap, and on top of that, delicious.
Both clauses share the same polarity — both good points here.
NOTE
Both clauses must share the same tone — either both positive or both negative. Don't mix one good point with one bad point.
NOTE
With verbs and i-adjectives, attach 上に directly to the plain form (寒い → 寒い上に, 遅刻した → 遅刻した上に).
STRUCTURE
V普
<ruby>上<rt>うえ</rt></ruby>に彼は遅刻した上に、謝らなかった。
Kare wa chikoku shita ue ni, ayamaranakatta.
Not only was he late, but he also didn't apologize.
この町は寒い上に、風も強い。
Kono machi wa samui ue ni, kaze mo tsuyoi.
This town is cold, and on top of that, the wind is strong.
道に迷った上に、雨まで降ってきた。
Michi ni mayotta ue ni, ame made futte kita.
Not only did I get lost, but it even started raining.
NOTE
With nouns, use の上に (台風 → 台風の上に). With na-adjectives, use な上に (静か → 静かな上に).
STRUCTURE
N辞
の<ruby>上<rt>うえ</rt></ruby>に大雨の上に、雷まで鳴り始めた。
Ooame no ue ni, kaminari made nari hajimeta.
On top of the heavy rain, even thunder started.
彼女は美人な上に、頭もいい。
Kanojo wa bijin na ue ni, atama mo ii.
She is beautiful, and on top of that, smart.
この店は静かな上に、料理もおいしい。
Kono mise wa shizuka na ue ni, ryouri mo oishii.
This restaurant is quiet, and on top of that, the food is delicious.
Practice exercises
1
この計画は実行可能な上に、利益も大きい。
This plan is feasible, and additionally, the profit is also large.
Answer
上に
2
彼は仕事ができる上に、人柄も素晴らしい。
He is capable at work, and additionally, his character is also wonderful.
Answer
上に
3
この携帯は軽い上に、しかも使いやすい。
This mobile phone is light, and moreover, easy to use.
Answer
上に
4
彼は仕事ができる上に、その上性格もいい。
He is capable at work, and on top of that, he also has a good personality.
Answer
上に
5
この料理は美味しい上に、更に健康的だ。
This dish is delicious, and furthermore, it is healthy.
Answer
上に