Translation guide
The English phrase 'as well as' is used to add information, similar to 'and' or 'in addition to'. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the best choice depends on whether you are connecting nouns, verbs, adjectives, or whole clauses, and on the level of formality.
To express that both A and B are included, with a slight emphasis on A.
This pattern means 'not only A but also B', and is the most natural and common way to express 'A as well as B' when connecting nouns. It can be used in both spoken and written Japanese.
彼は英語だけでなくフランス語も話せる。
He can speak French as well as English.
This restaurant has great service as well as taste.
This simple pattern means 'both A and B'. It is less emphatic than だけでなく, and is very common in everyday speech.
兄も姉も大学生です。
My brother as well as my sister is a university student.
This means 'in addition to A, also B'. It is slightly more formal and often used in written Japanese or formal speech.
日本語に加えて中国語も勉強しています。
I'm studying Chinese as well as Japanese.
This is a formal, written conjunction meaning 'and' or 'as well as'. It is used in official documents, academic writing, and formal speeches. Not common in casual conversation.
本書は学生および教職員に配布されます。
This book will be distributed to students as well as faculty.
To express that someone does two actions or has two qualities.
Use the same pattern as with nouns, but with verbs in their appropriate forms. For adjectives, use い-adj/な-adj だけでなく.
彼は歌うだけでなく踊りも上手だ。
He dances as well as sings well.
この部屋は広いだけでなく明るい。
This room is bright as well as spacious.
Using し to list actions or states is very natural in casual speech. It implies 'and also' or 'as well as'.
昨日は映画を見たし、買い物もした。
Yesterday I went shopping as well as watched a movie.
This pattern means 'on top of V1, also V2', often used for negative or surprising additions. It can sound a bit formal or emphatic.
彼は遅刻した上に宿題も忘れた。
He forgot his homework as well as being late.
To add an additional point to a previous statement.
A common conjunction meaning 'in addition' or 'furthermore'. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
このアパートは駅に近い。それに家賃も安い。
This apartment is close to the station. As well as that, the rent is cheap.
Means 'moreover' or 'in addition'. Slightly more formal than それに, often used in presentations or writing.
Literally 'on top of that', used to add information, often with a nuance of 'what's more'. Can be used in both speech and writing.
To say that someone does something equally well as someone else.
This pattern means 'as much as A' or 'as well as A'. It is used to compare abilities or qualities.
彼女は私と同じくらい上手にピアノを弾く。
She plays the piano as well as I do.
A formal expression meaning 'not inferior to A', used to say someone does something as well as another. Common in written Japanese.
彼はプロに劣らず上手に料理をする。
He cooks as well as a professional.
Do not try to translate 'as well as' word-for-word into Japanese. There is no single Japanese phrase that covers all uses. Always consider what you are connecting (nouns, verbs, clauses) and choose the appropriate pattern.
彼は英語もフランス語も話せる。
He speaks English as well as French.
Both patterns can express 'A as well as B', but だけでなく emphasizes that B is an addition to A, while も〜も simply lists both items equally. Use だけでなく when you want to highlight that B is also included, perhaps unexpectedly.
彼は英語だけでなくフランス語も話せる。
He can speak French as well as English. (emphasis on French being an addition)
彼は英語もフランス語も話せる。
He can speak both English and French. (neutral listing)
彼女は才能ある歌手であるだけでなく、熟練したダンサーでもある。
She is a talented singer as well as a skilled dancer.
そのコースは文法だけでなく語彙もカバーしている。
The course covers grammar as well as vocabulary.
The new product is lighter. As well as that, the battery life has been extended.
彼は親切だ。その上、ハンサムだ。
He is kind. As well as that, he's handsome.