ことこの上ない / この上ない / この上なく
koto kono ue nai / kono ue nai / kono ue naku
the most of all; the best; nothing is more ... than ~
🃏 Flashcard
ことこの上ない / この上ない / この上なく
koto kono ue nai / kono ue nai / kono ue naku
Tap to reveal usage
the most of all; the best; nothing is more ... than ~
N1
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📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level
N1
Advanced · Literary, rhetorical & rare forms
Reading
koto kono ue nai / kono ue nai / kono ue naku
Post ID
51251
Patterns today
0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes
the most of all; the best; nothing is more ... than ~
📖 How to use it
Expresses that something is the utmost, with nothing surpassing it, often used in set phrases for strong feelings.
Attaches to
Attaches to the こと nominalization of a verb (dictionary form + こと), or directly to a noun or な-adjective stem followed by この上ない. Also used adverbially as この上なく before adjectives or verbs.
This pattern conveys absolute superlative meaning, equivalent to 'nothing is more ~ than this' or 'the most ~ imaginable.' It is formed by taking a verb phrase and nominalizing it with こと, then adding この上ない (literally 'no above this'). For example, うれしいことこの上ない means 'nothing could make me happier.' When used adjectivally with nouns or な-adjectives, you attach この上ない directly to the stem, as in この上ない喜び (the greatest joy). As an adverb, この上なく modifies verbs or adjectives, like この上なく美しい (unsurpassably beautiful).
合格の知らせを聞いて、嬉しいことこの上なかった。
Gōkaku no shirase o kiite, ureshii koto kono ue nakatta.
Hearing that I passed, I couldn't have been happier.
彼女の演奏はこの上なく素晴らしかった。
Kanojo no ensō wa kono ue naku subarashikatta.
Her performance was absolutely superb.
長年夢見た舞台に立てて、光栄この上ない。
Naganen yumemita butai ni tatete, kōei kono ue nai.
Being able to stand on the stage I dreamed of for years is the greatest honor.
Not この上もない (kono ue mo nai)
この上もない is essentially synonymous and interchangeable in many cases, but この上ない is more common in modern usage. The pattern with こと is set and cannot be altered, while この上ない can directly modify nouns. Stick to この上ない for clarity.
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This is a formal, literary expression used mainly in written language, speeches, or polite conversation, not in casual speech.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
ことこの上ない / この上ない / この上なく
📚 How to Master This Pattern
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat ことこの上ない / この上ない / この上なく three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
Flip Before Reading
Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.
Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using ことこの上ない / この上ない / この上なく. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
Spaced Review
Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.
🔗 More JLPT N1 Patterns
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern ことこの上ない / この上ない / この上なく mean?
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The most of all; the best; nothing is more ... than ~
What JLPT level is ことこの上ない / この上ない / この上なく?
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Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N1 — Advanced · Literary, rhetorical & rare forms. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use ことこの上ない / この上ない / この上なく in a sentence?
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Attach ことこの上ない / この上ない / この上なく (koto kono ue nai / kono ue nai / kono ue naku) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.
Is ことこの上ない / この上ない / この上なく formal or casual Japanese?
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ことこの上ない / この上ない / この上なく is used in formal or written contexts. You will see it mainly in written texts, news, business Japanese and academic contexts.
How can I remember ことこの上ない / この上ない / この上なく long-term?
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Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.