JLPT N2 grammar

〜上にmeaning and usage

Meaning

Not only A, but B as well; In addition to A, B

How to form it

  • verb (plain form)/い-adjective上に
  • な-adjective (stem)な/である上に
  • nounの/である上に

How it is used

Adds B on top of A, both pointing the same way (both good or both bad): 'not only A, but also B'. The second half is not a command or request. More formal than 「〜し」, with less surprise than 「〜ばかりか」.

Examples

  1. あの映画館は狭い上に、画面も小さい。

    Not only is the movie theatre cramped, but the screen is also small.

  2. 彼は頭がいい上に、スポーツも得意だ。

    Not only is he smart, he's good at sports too.

  3. この町は静かな上に、空気もきれいだ。

    This town is quiet, and the air is clean as well.