おまけにOn top of that (evaluative addition)
おまけに introduces one more fact that strengthens the speaker’s praise, complaint, surprise, or other evaluation. It often corresponds to “on top of that,” “what’s more,” or, in negative situations, “to make matters worse.”
The added fact carries attitude
おまけに does more than simply list another detail. It presents that detail as one more reason for the reaction already established. Complaint contexts are common, but the form is not inherently negative.
Adding to a complaint
あの店は料理が遅い。おまけに、店員の態度も冷たかった。
That restaurant is slow with the food. To make matters worse, the staff were unfriendly too.
AnalyzeThe slow service and the staff’s attitude both reinforce the same negative assessment.
Adding to praise
この宿は駅に近くて静かだ。おまけに、朝食もおいしい。
This inn is close to the station and quiet. What’s more, the breakfast is delicious.
AnalyzeHere the added fact strengthens an enthusiastic positive recommendation.
A natural conversational use
この部屋、広くて明るいね。
This place is spacious and bright.
Analyzeうん。おまけに、家賃も予算内なんだ。
Yeah. And on top of that, the rent is within budget.
AnalyzeThe second speaker sounds pleased to add another advantage.
Choosing an additive connective
おまけに makes the speaker’s personal evaluation especially noticeable. しかも highlights a noteworthy added fact but is less tied to conversational reaction. その上 is more neutral and more comfortable in writing, while それに casually adds another reason or detail with less evaluative force.
More examples
昨日は電車が遅れた。おまけに、雨まで降ってきた。
Yesterday the train was delayed. To make matters worse, it even started raining.
Analyze彼の説明は分かりやすい。おまけに、例も面白い。
His explanations are easy to understand. What’s more, his examples are interesting.
Analyzeこのパソコンは重いし、動作も遅い。おまけに、バッテリーがすぐ切れる。
This computer is heavy and slow. On top of that, the battery runs out quickly.
Analyze旅行中はずっと晴れていた。おまけに、どこへ行っても空いていた。
It was sunny throughout the trip. Better still, nowhere we went was crowded.
Analyzeそのホテルは壁が薄かった。おまけに、夜中まで外が騒がしかった。
The walls at that hotel were thin. To make matters worse, it was noisy outside until midnight.
Analyzeあの映画はテンポがいい。おまけに、音楽も最高だ。
That movie is well paced. What’s more, the music is fantastic.
Analyze