上でIn or for doing; relevant condition
After a plain nonpast verb, 上で presents what follows as a requirement, difficulty, principle, resource, or other consideration relevant to carrying out that activity. English often uses “in doing,” “when doing,” or “for doing.”
What the construction highlights
The first verb names an undertaking. The rest of the sentence then identifies something that matters within that undertaking: what is essential, what may cause difficulty, what should be kept in mind, or what will help. This is more specific than merely saying that two events happen at the same time.
Requirements, obstacles, and resources
The construction is particularly natural with ideas such as necessity, importance, obstacles, caution, and usefulness.
海外で働く上で、現地の法律を理解することは欠かせない。
Understanding local laws is essential when working abroad.
AnalyzeUnderstanding the laws is presented as a requirement for the undertaking.
新しい制度を導入する上で、予算不足が最大の障害となっている。
A lack of funding is the greatest obstacle to introducing the new system.
AnalyzeHere the following clause identifies a problem that affects the undertaking.
研究を進める上で、このデータベースは非常に役に立つ。
This database is extremely useful for advancing the research.
AnalyzeThe database is presented as a helpful resource.
Asking what matters
チームをまとめる上で、何が最も重要ですか。
What is most important when leading a team?
AnalyzeThis is a natural way to ask for a principle or requirement relevant to an undertaking.
Before a noun
留学する上での最大の不安は、医療費です。
The biggest concern about studying abroad is medical expenses.
AnalyzeBefore a noun, add the particle that links the construction to the following noun.
The verb form changes the relationship
A plain nonpast verb followed by 上で treats the verb as the undertaking within which something matters. A past-form verb followed by the same-looking expression normally means that the first action is completed before the next action.
契約を結ぶ上で、確認すべき点が三つあります。
There are three points to check when entering into the contract.
AnalyzeThe checks are considerations relevant to entering into the contract.
契約を結んだ上で、サービスをご利用ください。
Please use the service after entering into the contract.
AnalyzeThis is the neighboring completed-action pattern: signing the contract comes first.
More examples
安全に作業する上で、保護眼鏡は欠かせない。
Protective glasses are essential for working safely.
Analyze事業を拡大する上で、資金の確保が大きな課題になる。
Securing funding will be a major challenge in expanding the business.
Analyze外国語を学ぶ上で、間違いを恐れない姿勢が大切だ。
When learning a foreign language, it is important not to be afraid of mistakes.
Analyzeこの地域で暮らす上での注意点をまとめました。
We have summarized the points to keep in mind when living in this area.
Analyze進路を決める上で、家族の意見も参考になった。
My family's opinions were also helpful in deciding on a career path.
Analyzeオンライン会議を運営する上で、安定した通信環境が役に立つ。
A stable internet connection is useful for running online meetings.
Analyze