その上(うえ)Besides, In addition, Furthermore

Structure

その上(うえ) + Phrase

Details

About その上

その上(うえ) is a formal expression used in Japanese to indicate that something is 'besides', 'in addition to', or 'furthermore' in relation to the previous statement. It primarily comes at the beginning of sentences before reflecting back on and adding new information in regard to what has already been said.

The literal meaning can be thought of as 'on top of that (B)', where 'that' is the information that has already been mentioned.

Despite often being used in formal settings, it is not uncommon to hear this phrase used in daily speech, due to its simplicity in highlighting something being 'in addition'.

Synonyms

Examples

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彼(かれ)は勇(いさ)ましい。その上(うえ)優(やさ)しいのだから、言(い)うことない。

He is brave. In addition, he is kind, so there isn't anything to say.

彼(かれ)の家(いえ)は薄暗(うすぐら)い。その上(うえ)寒(さむ)いから、冬場(ふゆば)は悲惨(ひさん)だ。

His house is gloomy. Furthermore, it is cold, so winter time is terrible.

顔(かお)が青白(あおじろ)い。その上(うえ)、唇(くちびる)は紫(むらさき)だ。大丈夫(だいじょうぶ)だろうか？

His face is pale. Furthermore, his lips are purple. Is he okay, I wonder?

彼(かれ)は思(おも)い込(こ)みが激(はげ)しい。その上(うえ)頑固(がんこ)だから、手(て)に負(お)えない。

His prejudices are intense. In addition, he is stubborn , so I can't manage him.

彼(かれ)は植木(うえき)職人(しょくにん)だ。その上(うえ)パソコンのプログラムもできるなんて、すごい人(ひと)だ。

He is a gardener. In addition, he is an impressive person who can do things like computer programming.

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その上 – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (7 in total)

FredKore
hmm… Sorry, I’m still not following. These sound so similar.

The English translations use the same words:
なお = in addition, incidentally, furthermore, moreover
その上 = besides, in addition, furthermore

The structures are the same:
Phrase1. なお、+ Phrase2
その上 + Phrase
Every example in Bunpro uses two phrases, so even though その上 doesn’t say Phrase1, there’s always a Phrase1.

They’re both in the formal register.

How do I distinguish these two from each other?
mrnoone
Hey @FredKore
I tried to describe it a bit, I hope it will be understandable.

So when なお is used as an adverb meaning “even more” or “still” it can be replaced with そのうえ.

彼女は綺麗で、そのうえ、あたまもいい。
彼女は綺麗で、なお、あたまもいい。
She is pretty and on top of that smart.

On the other hand, when なお is used as a conjunction it cannot really be replaced with そのうえ because they are used in different situations.

そのうえ introduces some additional, similar statement with emphasis. For example, can be used to describe two situations, states, reasons. Notice that clause following そのうえ often contains “も” or “まで”.

昨日は夜遅くまで編み物をしてしまった。その上、朝早くから電話で起こされたのでとても眠いです。
I stayed up late last night knitting. Furthermore (on top of that) , I was woken up early by a phone call so I am re...
FredKore
Thank you for the detailed reply!