Translation and Meaning of: 而も - shikamo

If you are studying Japanese, you may have come across the word 而も [しかも]. This expression may seem simple at first glance, but it carries important nuances in the language. In this article, we will explore its meaning, everyday usage, and even some curiosities that will help you understand how and when to use it. Whether to enhance your vocabulary or to avoid common mistakes, this guide will clarify everything about this essential word.

What does 而も [しかも] mean?

The word しかも is an adverbial conjunction that can generally be translated as "furthermore," "and still," or "moreover." It is used to add information that reinforces or expands on what has already been said, often with a tone of surprise or emphasis. For example, if someone says "He is intelligent, しかも hardworking," they are emphasizing that the person is not only intelligent but also diligent.

It is worth noting that しかも is not too casual a word, but it doesn't sound excessively formal either. It appears frequently in everyday conversations, written texts, and even in Japanese media, making it quite versatile for language learners.

Origin and writing of しかも

The kanji form, 而も, is rarely used in modern Japanese. Most of the time, the word appears written in hiragana (しかも), which simplifies its reading and memorization. The kanji 而 has a meaning related to "and yet" or "however," but its isolated use is uncommon nowadays.

Curiously, this preference for hiragana instead of kanji occurs with several other words in contemporary Japanese. This reflects a trend of simplification in writing, especially for that are already well established in spoken language.

How and when to use しかも correctly

One of the most important points when using しかも is to understand its role in the sentence structure. It usually comes at the beginning of a clause that adds something relevant to the previous context. For example: "The restaurant was cheap, しかも the food was delicious." Here, the word helps to build an idea of additional value.

It is important not to confuse しかも with similar words like それに or さらに. While all can indicate addition, しかも carries a nuance of "on top of that," often with a connotation that the mentioned fact is impressive or unexpected. This subtlety makes all the difference in natural communication in Japanese.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• しかも (shikamo) - Moreover; also; used to add information that strengthens what has been said previously.
• それにも (sore ni mo) - In addition; also; used to add another piece of information that is relevant to the context.
• それどころか (sore dokoro ka) - On the contrary; used to introduce information that contradicts or reinforces the previous idea.