その上sono ue“besides; furthermore”

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

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

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.

Nuance of その上

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

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

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

Practice questions for その上

• 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.
3. Finally, write your own sentence where the context makes その上 necessary.

Related grammar to review next

• しかも — moreover; and yet.
• おまけに — besides; on top of that.
• n3 ue ni — in addition; not only but also.

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
• JLPT N2 grammar lessons