Meaning and Usage
"しかも" is a conjunction used to add information that strengthens or emphasizes the previous statement. It means "moreover," "furthermore," or "besides." It is often used in spoken and written Japanese to connect two positive or surprising facts.
Common Contexts
You will frequently hear "しかも" when someone wants to highlight an additional positive point or an unexpected fact that adds weight to what was just said. It is more formal than casual connectors like "それに" but less formal than "さらに".
Collocations and Patterns
- しかも + adjective/verb phrase: to add an extra positive or surprising detail.
- しかも + sentence: to emphasize an additional fact.
Register and Politeness
"しかも" is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is common in everyday conversation, news reports, and written texts.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "しかも" with "それに" or "さらに." While all mean "moreover," "しかも" often implies a stronger or more surprising addition. Avoid using "しかも" to add negative information; it is generally used for positive or neutral facts.