# その上: besides; furthermore

> Learn how to use その上, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning besides; furthermore, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N2 · Updated: 2026-05-06 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n2-sono-ue/

**その上** means **besides; furthermore**. It is a **JLPT N2** Japanese grammar pattern used to **add another fact to strengthen the previous statement**.

This grammar point often appears in advanced reading, formal writing, notices, essays, and careful conversation. If you want to read Japanese with more nuance, **その上** is a useful pattern to learn because it shows the speaker's logic, stance, or emphasis.

## What does その上 mean?

Use **その上** when you want to **add another fact to strengthen the previous statement**.

Natural translations include:
- besides; 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 その上

その上 + sentence

Examples of the pattern:
- この部屋は広い。その上
- 彼女は親切で
- 朝から雨だった。その上

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 その上 used?

Use **その上** 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

## その上 example sentences

- この部屋は広い。その上、家賃も安い。 — This room is spacious. Furthermore, the rent is cheap.
- 彼女は親切で、その上仕事も早い。 — She is kind, and besides, she works fast.
- 朝から雨だった。その上、電車も遅れた。 — It rained from morning. On top of that, the train was delayed.
- この仕事は責任が重い。その上、時間もかかる。 — This job carries heavy responsibility. Moreover, it takes time.
- 説明は分かりやすく、その上例も多い。 — The explanation is easy to understand, and furthermore, there are many examples.

After reading each sentence, ask what job **その上** 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 その上

The key nuance is **add another fact to strengthen the previous statement**.

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, **その上** 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.

## その上 vs さらに

Both **その上** and **さらに** can express related ideas, but they are different.

**その上**:
- 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:
- この部屋は広い。その上、家賃も安い。
- Try rewriting the sentence with **さらに** and notice whether the tone or meaning changes.

## Common mistakes with その上

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 **その上**, then compare it with a related grammar point. Explain the difference in your own words.

## Is その上 on the JLPT?

Yes. **その上** 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 その上

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one sentence that clearly needs **その上**.
- 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 その上

To learn **その上** 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 **その上** 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 **その上** necessary.

## Related grammar to review next

- [しかも](/blog/n2-shikamo/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register
- [おまけに](/blog/n2-omake-ni/) — 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 その上 with Hane

If you want to review **その上** 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/)