# 上に（うえに）: in addition; not only but also

> Learn how to use 上に（うえに）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning in addition; not only but also, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N3 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n3-ue-ni/

**上に（うえに）** means **in addition; not only but also**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **add another reason or quality, usually in the same positive or negative direction**.

This grammar point often appears in **neutral** Japanese. If you want to **add another reason or quality, usually in the same positive or negative direction**, **上に（うえに）** is a useful pattern to learn.

## What does 上に（うえに） mean?

Use **上に（うえに）** when you want to **add another reason or quality, usually in the same positive or negative direction**.

Natural translations include:
- in addition; not only but also
- in addition
- in addition / not only but also

## How to form 上に（うえに）

Plain form + 上に / Nounである + 上に

Examples of the pattern:
- 安い上に
- 便利な上に
- 雨が降った上に

## When is 上に（うえに） used?

Use **上に（うえに）** in situations like:
- explaining grammar in context
- answering JLPT reading questions
- making natural Japanese sentences

Tone and register:
- neutral
- Common in JLPT reading, grammar questions, and natural Japanese sentences

## 上に（うえに） example sentences

- この店は安い上に、おいしい。 — This restaurant is cheap, and on top of that, delicious.
- 彼は親切な上に、仕事も早い。 — He is kind, and in addition, he works quickly.
- 今日は雨が降った上に、風も強かった。 — Today it rained, and on top of that, the wind was strong.
- このアプリは便利な上に、使いやすい。 — This app is convenient and also easy to use.
- 道に迷った上に、財布もなくした。 — I got lost, and on top of that, I lost my wallet.

## Nuance of 上に（うえに）

The key nuance is **a natural way to express “in addition; not only but also” with the right context and tone**.

This matters because **上に（うえに）** does more than match a single English phrase. It shows how the speaker frames the reason, comparison, intention, impossibility, distribution, or expected conclusion in the sentence.

For example:
- In context, it sounds natural when the surrounding sentence supports the nuance.
- Compared with **[だけでなく](/blog/n3-dake-de-naku/)**, it has a different focus and level of formality.

## 上に（うえに） vs だけでなく

Both **上に（うえに）** and **[だけでなく](/blog/n3-dake-de-naku/)** can appear in related situations, but they are different.

**上に（うえに）**:
- means **in addition; not only but also**
- fits the specific N3 pattern and nuance explained above

**[だけでなく](/blog/n3-dake-de-naku/)**:
- だけでなく means “not only”; 上に adds another point as an extra reason or layer

Quick contrast examples:
- Target: この店は安い上に、おいしい。 — This restaurant is cheap, and on top of that, delicious.
- Compare: Try replacing it with **[だけでなく](/blog/n3-dake-de-naku/)** and check whether the nuance still matches.

## Common mistakes with 上に（うえに）

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using **上に（うえに）** with the wrong form
- Confusing **上に（うえに）** with **[だけでなく](/blog/n3-dake-de-naku/)**
- Translating it too literally instead of reading the whole sentence

## Is 上に（うえに） on the JLPT?

Yes. **上に（うえに）** is commonly taught as **JLPT N3** 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 上に（うえに）

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one sentence using **上に（うえに）**.
- Contrast **上に（うえに）** with **[だけでなく](/blog/n3-dake-de-naku/)**.
- Make a JLPT-style sentence where the context makes the meaning clear.

## Learning path for 上に（うえに）

To learn **上に（うえに）** efficiently, review simple listing with そして, then practice adding a second point in the same positive or negative direction.

1. First, make sure you can form **上に（うえに）** without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with [だけでなく](/blog/n3-dake-de-naku/), [ばかりでなく](/blog/n3-bakari-denaku/). These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance.
3. Finally, write sentences that stack reasons, qualities, or examples; then check whether replacing **上に（うえに）** with [はもちろん](/blog/n3-wa-mochiron/) changes the meaning.

## Related grammar to review next

- [だけでなく](/blog/n3-dake-de-naku/) — because it also adds information in “not only / in addition” sentences.
- [ばかりでなく](/blog/n3-bakari-denaku/) — because it also adds information in “not only / in addition” sentences.
- [はもちろん](/blog/n3-wa-mochiron/) — because it also adds information in “not only / in addition” sentences.
- [も～ば～も](/blog/n3-mo-ba-mo/) — because it also adds information in “not only / in addition” sentences.
- [ばかりで](/blog/n3-bakari-de/) — because it also adds information in “not only / in addition” sentences.

## Learn 上に（うえに） with Hane

If you want to review **上に（うえに）** 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 N3 grammar lessons](/blog/n3/)