それに means also; in addition. It is a JLPT N4 Japanese grammar pattern used to express the N4 idea of “besides; in addition; moreover” in natural Japanese.
This grammar point often appears in conversation, written explanations, formal notices, and JLPT-style reading questions. If you want to express the N4 idea of “besides; in addition; moreover” in natural Japanese, それに is a useful pattern to learn after the N5 basics.
What does それに mean?
Use それに when you want to express the N4 idea of “besides; in addition; moreover” in natural Japanese.
Natural translations include:
- besides
- in addition
- also
The exact English translation changes with context. Focus on what the grammar point does in the sentence first, then choose the English phrase that sounds natural.
How to form それに
Sentence. + それに + sentence
Examples of the pattern:
- Sentence. + それに + sentence
- Sentence.
- それに
Pay attention to the word form before the pattern. Many JLPT N4 mistakes happen because the meaning is understood, but the grammar is attached to the wrong form.
When is それに used?
Use それに in situations like:
- explaining a condition, reason, decision, comparison, or time relationship
- making a sentence more specific than a basic N5 pattern
- understanding natural Japanese in conversation or reading
Tone and register:
- neutral unless the grammar itself is marked as casual, humble, honorific, or formal
- Common in daily speech, textbook examples, and JLPT N4 reading questions
それに example sentences
- この店はおいしいです。それに安いです。 — This shop is tasty. In addition, it is cheap.
- 駅に近いです。それに静かです。 — It is close to the station. Also, it is quiet.
- 彼は親切です。それに面白いです。 — He is kind. Moreover, he is funny.
- このアプリは便利です。それに使いやすいです。 — This app is convenient. In addition, it is easy to use.
- 今日は寒いです。それに風も強いです。 — Today is cold. On top of that, the wind is strong.
Read the Japanese sentence first, then check the English translation. Try to notice what the grammar point contributes: condition, timing, limitation, possibility, decision, politeness, contrast, or emphasis.
Nuance of それに
The key nuance is besides; in addition; moreover in a sentence-specific context.
This matters because それに may look simple in English, but the Japanese form tells you whether the speaker is describing a time, a condition, a decision, a possibility, a contrast, or a social relationship.
For example:
- In context, それに helps make the sentence more precise than a direct English translation.
- Compared with そして, it has a different focus even when both patterns appear in similar sentences.
それに vs そして
Both {jp} and {similar} can appear in related sentences, but they are different.
それに:
- is the target JLPT N4 pattern in this lesson
- carries the specific nuance explained above
そして:
- is useful for comparison because learners often mix it up
- may use a different form, tone, or sentence focus
Quick contrast examples:
- Target pattern: この店はおいしいです。それに安いです。 — This shop is tasty. In addition, it is cheap.
- Related pattern with そして: compare the form and ask whether the sentence is about timing, condition, ability, decision, contrast, or politeness.
If you are unsure which one to use, identify the main job of the sentence before translating it into English.
Common mistakes with それに
Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using it with the wrong verb, noun, or adjective form
- Confusing it with そして because the English translation can look similar
- Translating it too literally instead of reading the whole sentence context
A good study habit is to write one short sentence and then change only the grammar point. This makes the difference between similar patterns easier to feel.
Is それに on the JLPT?
Yes. それに is connected to JLPT N4 grammar in this blog.
That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences
For test preparation, do not only memorize the English gloss. Practice identifying the words around the grammar point, because JLPT questions often test structure and context together.
Practice questions for それに
Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one sentence using the basic pattern.
- Change the sentence into polite or casual style if possible.
- Compare it with the related pattern from the comparison section.
Keep the sentences short at first. Once the form feels natural, add time words, places, reasons, or contrast to make the sentence more realistic.
Learn それに with Kanjiru
If you want to review それに together with kanji, vocabulary, and other JLPT N4 patterns, Kanjiru helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.
Browse more lessons here: