Translation guide
Expresses that a situation becomes even more difficult or unpleasant. Often used to add a negative point to an already bad situation.
To introduce an additional negative factor that worsens an already bad situation.
A common, neutral way to say 'on top of that' or 'to make matters worse'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
It started raining. To make matters worse, I forgot my umbrella.
Literally 'on top of that', used to add another negative point. Slightly more formal than おまけに.
Means 'moreover' or 'and what's more'. Can be used for both positive and negative additions, but in negative contexts it conveys 'to make matters worse'.
A stronger, more emphatic expression meaning 'to top it all off' or 'as if that weren't enough'. Often used when the final negative outcome is particularly bad.
電車が遅れた。その上、満員だった。
The train was late. To make matters worse, it was packed.
彼は遅刻した。しかも、謝らなかった。
He was late. To make matters worse, he didn't apologize.
I lost my wallet, got lost, and to make matters worse, I got rained on.