# なお: still; furthermore > Learn how to use なお, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning still; furthermore, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N2 · Updated: 2026-05-06 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n2-nao/ **なお** means **still; furthermore**. It is a **JLPT N2** Japanese grammar pattern used to **add continuation, extra information, or formal notes**. This grammar point often appears in advanced reading, formal writing, notices, essays, and careful conversation. If you want to read Japanese with more nuance, **なお** is a useful pattern to learn because it shows the speaker's logic, stance, or emphasis. ## What does なお mean? Use **なお** when you want to **add continuation, extra information, or formal notes**. Natural translations include: - still; furthermore - depending on context - in a way that matches the speaker's emphasis The best translation depends on the sentence. Focus first on what relationship the pattern creates between the ideas. ## How to form なお なお + sentence Examples of the pattern: - 雨はなお降り続いている。 - なお - 問題はなお解決していない。 In JLPT questions, pay close attention to the word immediately before the grammar point. Many wrong answers use a similar meaning but attach to the wrong form. ## When is なお used? Use **なお** in situations like: - reading formal explanations, announcements, or essays - making a point more precise than a basic grammar pattern would - connecting two ideas with a clear nuance Tone and register: - usually neutral to formal - common in JLPT N2 reading passages, news, notices, and business-like writing ## なお example sentences - 雨はなお降り続いている。 — The rain is still continuing to fall. - なお、締め切りは来週の金曜日です。 — Furthermore, the deadline is next Friday. - 問題はなお解決していない。 — The problem still has not been solved. - 会議は十時に始まります。なお、資料は受付で配布します。 — The meeting starts at ten. In addition, materials will be handed out at reception. - 彼女の人気は卒業後もなお高い。 — Her popularity is still high even after graduation. After reading each sentence, ask what job **なお** is doing. Is it limiting, adding, conceding, asserting, or describing a condition? That habit makes the nuance easier to remember than a single English translation. ## Nuance of なお The key nuance is **add continuation, extra information, or formal notes**. This matters because N2 grammar often overlaps with easier expressions. The advanced pattern usually adds formality, emphasis, restriction, or a stronger logical relationship. For example: - In formal writing, **なお** often sounds more precise than a casual equivalent. - Compared with **さらに**, it has a different tone or scope even when the English translation looks similar. ## なお vs さらに Both **なお** and **さらに** can express related ideas, but they are different. **なお**: - fits the N2 nuance explained above - often sounds more specific, formal, or emphatic **さらに**: - is usually broader, simpler, or used in a different register - may be better in casual conversation depending on the sentence Quick contrast examples: - 雨はなお降り続いている。 - Try rewriting the sentence with **さらに** and notice whether the tone or meaning changes. ## Common mistakes with なお Watch out for these mistakes: - Translating it too literally and missing the function in context - Confusing it with **さらに** just because the English translation overlaps - Using it in casual speech when a simpler pattern would sound more natural A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with **なお**, then compare it with a related grammar point. Explain the difference in your own words. ## Is なお on the JLPT? Yes. **なお** is commonly taught as **JLPT N2** grammar. That means learners should be able to: - recognize it in reading - understand its nuance in context - use it in simple original sentences For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions usually test context, not dictionary translation alone. ## Practice questions for なお Try making your own sentences with these prompts: - Write one sentence that clearly needs **なお**. - Write a second sentence with **さらに** and compare the nuance. - Find a notice, article, or dialogue where this kind of meaning would be natural. ## Learning path for なお To learn **なお** efficiently, follow a path that matches this pattern's real function. 1. First review the formation so the base structure feels natural. 2. Then compare **なお** with **さらに** and the related lessons below. These recommendations are chosen from similar semantic or structural families. 3. Finally, write your own sentence where the context makes **なお** necessary. ## Related grammar to review next - [n3 sara ni](/blog/n3-sara-ni/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register - [n4 sore ni](/blog/n4-sore-ni/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register - [n2 ijou ni](/blog/n2-ijou-ni/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register ## Learn なお with Hane If you want to review **なお** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N2 grammar lessons](/blog/n2/)