# おまけに: besides; on top of that > Learn how to use おまけに, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning besides; on top of that, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N2 · Updated: 2026-05-06 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n2-omake-ni/ **おまけに** means **besides; on top of that**. It is a **JLPT N2** Japanese grammar pattern used to **add another point, often negative or emphatic**. This grammar point often appears in advanced reading, formal writing, notices, essays, and careful conversation. If you want to read Japanese with more nuance, **おまけに** is a useful pattern to learn because it shows the speaker's logic, stance, or emphasis. ## What does おまけに mean? Use **おまけに** when you want to **add another point, often negative or emphatic**. Natural translations include: - besides; on top of that - 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 おまけに おまけに + sentence Examples of the pattern: - 雨が降ってきた。おまけに風も強い。 - 彼は仕事が早い。おまけに説明も分かりやすい。 - 財布を忘れた。おまけにスマホの電池も切れた。 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 おまけに used? Use **おまけに** 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, depending on the expression - common in JLPT N2 reading passages, news, notices, and business-like writing ## おまけに example sentences - 雨が降ってきた。おまけに風も強い。 — It started raining. On top of that, the wind is strong. - 彼は仕事が早い。おまけに説明も分かりやすい。 — He works fast. What's more, his explanations are easy to understand. - 財布を忘れた。おまけにスマホの電池も切れた。 — I forgot my wallet. To make matters worse, my phone battery died too. - この部屋は狭いし、おまけに駅から遠い。 — This room is small, and on top of that, far from the station. - 料理はおいしく、おまけに値段も安い。 — The food is delicious, and what's more, the price is low. After reading each sentence, ask what job **おまけに** is doing. Is it adding, excluding, warning, emphasizing, or showing a condition? That habit makes the nuance easier to remember than a single English translation. ## Nuance of おまけに The key nuance is **add another point, often negative or emphatic**. 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, **おまけに** often sounds more precise than a casual equivalent. - Compared with **その上**, it has a different tone or scope even when the English translation looks similar. ## おまけに vs その上 Both **おまけに** and **その上** can express related ideas, but they are different. **おまけに**: - fits the N2 nuance explained above - often sounds more specific, formal, or emphatic **その上**: - is usually broader, simpler, or used in a different register - may be better in casual conversation depending on the sentence Quick contrast examples: - 雨が降ってきた。おまけに風も強い。 - Try rewriting the sentence with **その上** and notice whether the tone or meaning changes. ## Common mistakes with おまけに Watch out for these mistakes: - Translating it too literally and missing the function in context - Confusing it with **その上** 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 **おまけに**, then compare it with a related grammar point. Explain the difference in your own words. ## Is おまけに on the JLPT? Yes. **おまけに** 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 おまけに Try making your own sentences with these prompts: - Write one sentence that clearly needs **おまけに**. - Write a second sentence with **その上** and compare the nuance. - Find a notice, article, or dialogue where this kind of meaning would be natural. ## Learning path for おまけに To learn **おまけに** 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 **おまけに** with **その上** 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 **おまけに** necessary. ## Related grammar to review next - [その上](/blog/n2-sono-ue/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register - [しかも](/blog/n2-shikamo/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register - [n3 ue ni](/blog/n3-ue-ni/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register ## Learn おまけに with Hane If you want to review **おまけに** 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/)