「うえに」and「うえで」differ by just one particle, but their meanings and uses are completely different. This article sorts them out once and for all.
うえに: Moreover / On top of that (addition)
「うえに」means in addition to the first clause, the second clause also applies, used to describe stacking situations:
| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 財布を落としたうえに、オートバイが故障して、今日は本当についていなかった。 | I dropped my wallet, and on top of that my motorcycle broke down — today was truly unlucky. |
| この店は安いうえに、おいしい。 | This shop is cheap and on top of that, delicious. |
| 道に迷ったうえに、雨まで降ってきた。 | I got lost, and on top of that it started raining. |
Connection: Verb plain form + うえに; い-adj + うえに; な-adj + な + うえに; noun + の + うえに
Key Features
- The two clauses typically go in the same direction (both positive or both negative)
- Similar to そのうえ and しかも, but うえに is more formal
- Common in written language and exams
うえで: In the context of / After doing (two uses)
「うえで」has two different uses depending on whether the preceding verb is in dictionary form or た-form.
Use 1: V dictionary form + うえで = In the context of doing...
Means "when it comes to doing something," emphasizing a particular domain or scenario:
| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 語学を勉強するうえで、欠かせないものです。 | When it comes to studying languages, this is indispensable. |
| 生活するうえで、お金は大切だ。 | When it comes to daily life, money is important. |
するうえで ≈ する際に (when doing...)
Use 2: V た-form + うえで = After doing... (prerequisite)
Means "after completing something, then do the next step," emphasizing a sequential prerequisite:
| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 語学を勉強したうえで、留学を決めた。 | After studying the language, I decided to study abroad. |
| よく考えたうえで、返事をください。 | Please give your answer after careful consideration. |
したうえで ≈ してから (after doing), but うえで is more formal and emphasizes thorough preparation.
Comparing the Two うえで Uses
| V dictionary + うえで | V た-form + うえで | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | In the context of... | After doing... |
| Tense | Ongoing | Completed |
| Similar to | ～する際に | ～してから |
| Example | 勉強するうえで | 勉強したうえで |
うえに vs うえで: Full Comparison
| うえに | うえで | |
|---|---|---|
| Particle | に | で |
| Meaning | Moreover / on top of that | In the context of / after |
| Function | Adding information | Scenario / prerequisite |
| Example | 安いうえにおいしい | 考えたうえで決める |
One-line rule: うえに = not only A but also B (stacking); うえで = do B on the basis of A (context or sequence).
Summary
- うえに expresses addition — "not only the first clause, but also the second"
- V dictionary form + うえで means "in the context of doing something"
- V た-form + うえで means "after completing something (then...)"
- All three look similar but function completely differently — the key is the particle and verb form
Practice
1. Choose うえに or うえで:
日本語を話す____、敬語は大切だ。
Show answer
日本語を話すうえで、敬語は大切だ。 When it comes to speaking Japanese, keigo is important. This describes a context/domain, so use うえで.
2. What does this sentence mean?
よく調べたうえで、契約してください。
Show answer
Please sign the contract after thoroughly investigating. V た-form + うえで = after completing something first. Emphasizes investigating thoroughly before signing.
3. Complete with うえに:
この部屋は狭い____、暗い。
Show answer
この部屋は狭いうえに、暗い。 This room is small and on top of that, dark. (stacking two negative descriptions)