GRAMMAR
〜以上に
more than
no less than
Explanation
NOTE
〜以上に means more than or beyond — it expresses a degree that surpasses a reference point.
彼は想像以上に強かった。
He was strong beyond imagination.
The reference point (想像 / imagination) comes before 以上に, and the result exceeds it.
NOTE
Use it to say something is greater, stronger, or more intense than what was expected or normal.
NOTE
With nouns, attach 以上に directly to the noun (予想 → 予想以上に).
STRUCTURE
N辞
<ruby>以上<rt>いじょう</rt></ruby>に試験は予想以上に難しかった。
Shiken wa yosou ijou ni muzukashikatta.
The exam was more difficult than expected.
今年の夏は去年以上に暑い。
Kotoshi no natsu wa kyonen ijou ni atsui.
This summer is hotter than last year.
彼女は母親以上に料理が上手だ。
Kanojo wa hahaoya ijou ni ryouri ga jouzu da.
She is even better at cooking than her mother.
NOTE
With verbs, attach 以上に to the plain form to mean more than (someone) does X (思う → 思った以上に).
STRUCTURE
V普
<ruby>以上<rt>いじょう</rt></ruby>に思っていた以上に時間がかかった。
Omotte ita ijou ni jikan ga kakatta.
It took more time than I had thought.
父は働く以上によく遊ぶ。
Chichi wa hataraku ijou ni yoku asobu.
My father plays even more than he works.
期待していた以上に素晴らしい結果だった。
Kitai shite ita ijou ni subarashii kekka datta.
The result was more wonderful than I had hoped.
Practice exercises
1
当初の計画以上に予算が必要になった。
The budget needed was more than the initial plan.
Answer
以上に
2
結果からすると、努力した以上に報われた。
In terms of results, I was rewarded more than the effort I put in.
Answer
以上に
3
予想があまりに外れて、期待以上に良かった。
My expectations were more than off, it was better than expected.
Answer
以上に
4
彼の歌声はプロの歌手以上に心を動かすまでだ。
His singing voice moves hearts more than a professional singer, to that extent.
Answer
以上に
5
彼の演技は評判以上に素晴らしかった。
His acting was more wonderful than its reputation.
Answer
以上に