How to tell them apart
しかも and その上 add a surprising or emphatic extra fact, so they fit when the new information feels like a bonus or a twist. それに simply tacks on another reason or item in a neutral list. 更に is closer to “even more” — it intensifies a degree or pushes something further, like 更に薄くなった, rather than just stacking facts. Use しかも or その上 for a punchy “and what's more,” それに for a plain “and also,” and 更に for “even further.”
- しかも Use しかも when the added fact is surprising or noteworthy, like good and cheap, しかも filling.
- それに Use それに to add one more neutral item or reason to a list, such as coffee, toast, それに egg.
- その上 Use その上 to pile on an emphatic bonus point, like cheap rent, その上 parking.
- 更に Use 更に when something increases or intensifies further, as in 更に薄くなった.
| Grammar point | Meaning | JLPT level |
|---|---|---|
| しかも shikamo | On top of that; what's more; additionally | N2 |
| それに soreni | Furthermore; on top of that | N4 |
| その上 sono | In addition to that; furthermore; what's more | N3 |
| 更に ni | On top of that; to a greater degree; increasingly; additionally | N3 |
しかも shikamo
On top of that; what's more; additionally
しかも adds another piece of information on top of what was said before, often with a nuance of surprise or emphasis that the added fact is even stronger. It is a connective adverb that comes at the start of the second clause, often after a first clause ending in て, で, し or くて. The clause after しかも must be a full clause with its own predicate, such as 安い, 静かだ or 話せる, and cannot be a bare time expression or manner adverb alone.
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このカフェは静かで、しかもコーヒーが安い。
This cafe is quiet, and what's more, the coffee is cheap.
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彼は英語が上手で、しかもフランス語も話せる。
He is good at English, and on top of that, he can also speak French.
それに soreni
Furthermore; on top of that
それに is a sentence initial conjunction that adds another reason or piece of information on top of what was said before, like furthermore or besides. It does not attach to verbs or nouns and always starts a new sentence that builds on previous context. It is common in both speech and writing, but it sounds unnatural without a preceding statement because the added point has nothing to connect to.
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そのための時間はないし、それにお金もないんだ。
I have no time for that, and besides, I don't have any money.
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それに明日は雨が降るそうです。
Furthermore, it looks like it will rain tomorrow.
その上 sono
In addition to that; furthermore; what's more
その上 means furthermore or in addition to that, and it adds another fact that strengthens the previous statement. It comes after a complete clause and often begins the next sentence, as in 駅に近い。その上安い. It does not attach to a verb stem or to the ku form of an i-adjective, so a form like 速く、その上 is unnatural. It is neutral and common in formal speech and writing, adds information in the same direction rather than showing contrast, and is not combined with さらに.
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彼はとても頭が良い。そのうえよく勉強する。
He is very bright, and what is more, he studies hard.
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このホテルは駅に近い。その上安い。
This hotel is close to the station. What's more, it's cheap.
更に ni
On top of that; to a greater degree; increasingly; additionally
さらに is an adverb meaning furthermore, even more, or in addition, used to add information or raise degree. It can stand at the start of a sentence, or before a verb, adjective, or quantity expression such as さらに多い or さらに三人. It also combines with も after a noun, as in さらに彼も, to mean that person in addition. It is neutral and common in both speech and writing.
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更に質問がありますか。
Do you have any further questions?
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さらに三人の乗客がバスに乗った。
Three more passengers got on the bus.
しかも and それに and その上 and 更に are JLPT N4–N2 grammar points that Japanese learners often mix up. This page compares all 4 side by side on meanings, usage and example sentences, so you can tell them apart.