Japanese Addition Connectors: Using そのうえ, さらに, and しかも
Learn to add information in Japanese with そのうえ, さらに, しかも, and おまけに. Master formal and casual registers, sentence patterns, and common pitfalls.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
In Japanese, adding information to a statement requires more than just saying 'and.' You need connectors that fit the register, the relationship between ideas, and the nuance you want to convey. This lesson focuses on four key addition connectors: そのうえ (sono ue), さらに (sara ni), しかも (shikamo), and おまけに (omake ni). You will learn how they differ in formality, how to use them in sentences, and when each is appropriate. By the end, you will be able to stack information naturally, whether you are writing a formal report or chatting with a friend. Pay attention to the examples and practice constructing your own additive sentences.
By the end, you can…
- use そのうえ, さらに, しかも, and おまけに to add information in Japanese.
- choose the appropriate addition connector based on formality and nuance.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
このレストランは安い。そのうえ、料理もおいしい。
This restaurant is cheap. Furthermore, the food is delicious.
Kono resutoran wa yasui. Sono ue, ryōri mo oishii.
そのうえ is formal and often used in writing. It adds a second point that reinforces the first, and the second clause often includes も.
彼は仕事が速い。さらに、正確だ。
He works fast. Moreover, he is accurate.
Kare wa shigoto ga hayai. Sara ni, seikaku da.
さらに is neutral and versatile, suitable for both speech and writing.
この店は安いし、しかも美味しい。
This shop is cheap, and what's more, it's delicious.
Kono mise wa yasui shi, shikamo oishii.
しかも often follows a し clause and adds emphasis; it is common in both casual and formal speech, though it can sound assertive.
今日は雨だった。おまけに、電車が遅れた。
It rained today. On top of that, the train was delayed.
Kyō wa ame datta. Omake ni, densha ga okureta.
おまけに adds an extra point, usually negative or inconvenient, and is informal.
彼女は英語が話せる。そのうえ、フランス語も話せる。
She can speak English. In addition, she can speak French.
Kanojo wa eigo ga hanaseru. Sono ue, furansugo mo hanaseru.
そのうえ can also add a second ability, with も emphasizing 'also'.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
Addition connectors typically appear at the beginning of a sentence or clause, often followed by a comma, and link two statements. For example: この本は面白い。さらに、ためになる。 (This book is interesting. Furthermore, it's informative.) Note that さらに can also be used before a noun or adjective: さらに詳しい情報 (further detailed information). そのうえ and しかも usually start a new sentence. おまけに is similar but adds a negative nuance. These connectors often co-occur with も in the second clause to reinforce addition: そのうえ、私も行きたい。 (Furthermore, I want to go too.)
When to use it
Use そのうえ in formal writing or polite speech when adding a second point that strengthens your argument. さらに is neutral and can be used in both formal and casual contexts; it often appears in presentations or reports. しかも is common in casual conversation and adds emphasis, often after a し clause, but it also appears in formal writing. おまけに is informal and typically introduces an additional negative or troublesome point, like a complaint. For example, in a business email, prefer さらに or そのうえ. With friends, しかも or おまけに sound natural. Avoid using おまけに in formal writing unless you intend a casual tone.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
新しいカフェに行ったんだけど、コーヒーが安いし、しかも美味しかったよ。
I went to a new café, and the coffee was cheap, and what's more, it was delicious.Atarashii kafe ni itta n da kedo, kōhī ga yasui shi, shikamo oishikatta yo.へえ、いいね。さらに、ケーキもあった？
Wow, nice. Also, did they have cake too?Hee, ii ne. Sara ni, kēki mo atta?うん、ケーキもあったよ。そのうえ、Wi-Fiも無料だった。
Yeah, they had cake too. In addition, the Wi-Fi was free.Un, kēki mo atta yo. Sono ue, waifai mo muryō datta.それはいいね。おまけに、店員さんも親切だった？
That's great. On top of that, was the staff kind too?Sore wa ii ne. Omake ni, ten'in san mo shinsetsu datta?A little context goes a long way
Japanese addition connectors often reflect the speaker's stance. そのうえ and さらに are neutral to formal, suitable for business or academic contexts. しかも adds emphasis and can sound slightly assertive, so it is common in casual talk but may be too strong in very polite settings. おまけに carries a nuance of 'adding insult to injury' and is typically used for negative extras. In formal writing, avoid おまけに and prefer さらに or そのうえ. Also, note that these connectors are not interchangeable with 'and'; they specifically add information, not contrast.
One thing to watch for
Using おまけに in a formal business email to add a positive point, e.g., おまけに、コストも削減できました。
Try this instead: おまけに is informal and often adds a negative or inconvenient extra. In formal contexts, use さらに or そのうえ. For example: さらに、コストも削減できました。 (Furthermore, we were able to reduce costs.)
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1Combine these two sentences using そのうえ: この店は安い。料理もおいしい。
Show a sample answer
この店は安い。そのうえ、料理もおいしい。
そのうえ correctly adds the second positive point in a formal way. さらに would also be acceptable, but そのうえ emphasizes the addition more strongly.
2Which addition connector is most appropriate in a casual complaint about a bad day? 雨だった。電車が遅れた。
Show a sample answer
雨だった。おまけに、電車が遅れた。
おまけに fits because it adds a negative extra in an informal tone. しかも could also work, but おまけに better conveys the 'on top of that' nuance.
3Translate: 'She is smart. Moreover, she is kind.' Use さらに.
Show a sample answer
彼女は頭がいい。さらに、親切だ。
さらに is neutral and works well here. そのうえ is also possible, but さらに is more common in both speech and writing.
Choose addition connectors by register and nuance: そのうえ and さらに for formal or neutral, しかも for casual emphasis, and おまけに for informal negative extras. Always place them at the start of a clause and use も in the second part to reinforce addition.
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