What it means
しかも connects an additional point that strengthens or intensifies what was just stated. It means “moreover” or “furthermore” and often introduces information that is surprising, unfavorable, or especially noteworthy. It can connect complete sentences or appear between clauses in the same sentence. The added point is usually presented as another reason, problem, advantage, or supporting fact rather than as a simple chronological event.
Usage note
しかも is more emphatic than a neutral additive expression such as それに. It should not be used when the second point is merely an unrelated item in a list.
How to use it
この計画は費用がかかり、しかも実現までに時間も必要です。
This plan is costly, and moreover, it will also take time to realize.
この計画には費用がかかります。しかも、実現までに時間も必要です。
This plan is costly. Moreover, it will also take time to realize.
この計画は費用がかかり、しかも実現までに時間も必要だ。
This plan is costly, and moreover, it will also take time to realize.
この計画には費用がかかる。しかも、実現までに時間も必要だ。
This plan is costly. Moreover, it will also take time to realize.
Example sentences
この図書館は夜九時まで開いていて、しかも祝日も利用できる。
This library is open until nine o’clock at night, and moreover, it can also be used on public holidays.
新しい職場は駅から遠い。しかも、雨の日は道路が混雑し、通勤に一時間以上かかる。
The new workplace is far from the station. Moreover, on rainy days, the roads are congested, and commuting takes more than an hour.