上に（うえに）

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, 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 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:

• 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 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
• 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.
• 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, ばかりでなく. 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 changes the meaning.

Related grammar to review next

• だけでなく — because it also adds information in “not only / in addition” sentences.
• ばかりでなく — because it also adds information in “not only / in addition” sentences.
• はもちろん — because it also adds information in “not only / in addition” sentences.
• も～ば～も — because it also adds information in “not only / in addition” sentences.
• ばかりで — 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
• JLPT N3 grammar lessons