Meaning & usage
この上ない expresses the greatest possible degree, with nothing beyond it, often translated as utterly or extremely. It comes before the noun it describes, as in この上ない喜び, while its adverbial form この上なく modifies adjectives and verbs, as in この上なく美しい. A related pattern places ことこの上ない after an adjective or verb phrase to stress that a feeling or state could not be stronger. It is formal and literary, suited to writing and polite speech rather than casual conversation.
Example sentences 4
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お天気はこの上なくすばらしい。
The weather is as nice as nice can be.
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天気はこの上なく素晴らしかった。
The weather was as fine as it could be.
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なんとすばらしい朝だろう。僕はこの上なくいい気分だ。
What a wonderful morning! I feel on top of the world.
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インターネットはこの上なく貴重な情報の宝庫だ。
The Internet is an invaluable source of information.
