上でafter doing; in doing
After a た-form, 上で is "after doing, and on that basis": you check first, and the next step rests on it. After a dictionary form it is "in doing": what counts when you do something. Both sound careful and a little official.
after doing
After discussing it with my family, I decided to study abroad.
in doing
When learning a foreign language, it is important not to be afraid of mistakes.
After doing
Verb in the た-form + 上で ／ Noun + の + 上で
確認した上で, 相談の上で, and その上で, "once that is done". Forms and business email drop the で: ご確認の上、….
In doing
Verb in the dictionary form + 上で ／ Noun + の + 上で
働く上で, 仕事の上で. Before a noun, 上での: 暮らす上での注意点.
Which 上?
The word before 上 and the kana after it tell you which one you have, and how to read it.
た-form or noun + の + 上でN2This page
"After doing, and on that basis".
Please check the contents, and then sign.
Dictionary form or noun + の + 上でN2This page
"In doing, for the purposes of".
the things you need for daily life
"On top of that": a second point of the same kind.
This place is cheap, and on top of that, the food is good.
"Now that", then what you are bound to do. Stiff.
Now that I have taken it on, I will see it through.
Noun + 上N2
Straight after the noun, read じょう: "in terms of".
legally; health reasons; given your position
た-form or dictionary form?
Please use the service once you have signed the contract.
Signing comes first, and the rest follows from it.
There are three things to check when you sign the contract.
Nothing is signed yet. These count in the signing.
After a noun, read on: a next step means "after"; something needed, important or hard means "in".
After doing, and on that basis
You check, ask or think something over, and what you do next rests on it. Forms, contracts, office email and staff on the phone all use it.
I will check and get back to you.
After consulting a doctor, I decided to adjust how much exercise I do.
Please check the application details before pressing the submit button.
In conversation the word is てから. With an everyday step, 上で sounds like a rule book.
Sounds odd: 手を
I had lunch after washing my hands.
Just the next thing: 手を洗ってから.
In doing
The rest says what counts when you do that thing: what is needed, important, useful or hard. Guides, advice columns and interviews are full of it.
Understanding local laws is essential when working abroad.
What matters most in holding a team together?
A sentence about the past keeps the dictionary form.
My family's opinions were also helpful in deciding on a career path.
決めた上で would be "after deciding".
In conversation the same thing is のに or ために: 働くのに必要だ. ために also says what you do to reach a goal. 上で doesn't.
Not said: 留学する
(I'm saving every month in order to study abroad.)
留学するために.
Close neighbours
てからN5
Plain "after" for any two steps, and the one people say.
Please listen to the explanation before asking questions.
ためにN4
"In order to": the goal, then what you do to reach it.
I'm practicing conversation in order to work in Japan.
のにN4
"For doing" in everyday talk: what something takes or is handy for.
My father needs glasses to drive safely.
Check yourself
1Which one fits?
家族と
Choose an answer to see why.
2"My teacher's advice was a great help in writing my thesis."
論文を
Choose an answer to see why.
3Which one fits?
家を
Choose an answer to see why.
More detail
暦の上では and 数字の上では are "by the calendar" and "on paper". The facts often differ.
By the calendar it is already spring, but the cold days go on.
More sentences
He heard the full explanation and still decided not to take part.
Please compare the options carefully before choosing the plan that suits you.
Please consider the matter and reply by Friday.
Protective glasses are essential for working safely.
This database is a great help in carrying out the research.
We have put together the things to keep in mind when living in this area.