N3 Emphasis, Limitation, and Addition

~うえに: meaning, usage and examples

~うえに means: on top of... / in addition to...

Updated 9 November 2026 · By the My Senpai team · Spotted a mistake? Tell us

Examples

1. 雨あめが降ふったうえに、風かぜも強つよかった。

   On top of the rain, the wind was also strong.

2. 値段ねだんが安やすいうえに、品質ひんしつも良よい。

   In addition to the low price, the quality is also good.

3. この部屋へやは広ひろいうえに、駅えきからも近ちかい。

   This room is spacious, and on top of that, it's close to the station.

4. 今日きょうは寝坊ねぼうしたうえに、財布さいふまで忘わすれてしまった。

   Today I overslept, and on top of that, I even forgot my wallet.

When to use it

Use this to add a second fact on top of a first one, both pointing in the same direction: both good or both bad. この部屋へやは広ひろいうえに、駅えきからも近ちかい (this room is spacious, and on top of that it's close to the station). The second part often contains も or まで to show it is an extra point.

Nuance

Neutral; common in speech and writing. The two facts must have the same tone: good plus good, or bad plus bad. The second clause cannot be a request, order or invitation, so 〜うえに、〜てください is wrong. It often expresses happiness or complaint.

Compare

Several patterns add points. し lists reasons casually and can link several points: 安やすいし、おいしいし. うえに adds one stronger extra point: 安やすいうえにおいしい. だけでなく is a broader "not only" and works in more patterns: 子供こどもだけでなく大人おとなも楽たのしめる.

Tip: Make sure both halves match in tone. 安やすいうえにまずい mixes a good point and a bad one; use けれど or のに for a contrast.