以上・
以上 means “the stated amount or more,” while 以下 means “the stated amount or less.” In both cases, the stated number is included.
The number itself counts
Think of the stated number as part of the permitted range. With 十八歳以上, an eighteen-year-old qualifies. With 十人以下, a group of exactly ten is allowed.
Common measurable thresholds
The pattern works naturally with ages, prices, scores, counts, weights, and similar measurements.
このイベントには、十八歳以上の方が参加できます。
People aged 18 or older may participate in this event.
AnalyzePeople who are exactly eighteen are included.
送料は、注文金額が五千円以上なら無料です。
Shipping is free for orders of 5,000 yen or more.
Analyze合格するには、八十点以上取る必要があります。
To pass, you need to score 80 points or higher.
AnalyzeA score of exactly 80 qualifies.
一つのグループは十人以下にしてください。
Please keep each group to ten people or fewer.
AnalyzeIncluding or excluding the boundary
Swipe sideways to compare every column.
| Expression | Range | Does ten count? |
|---|---|---|
| 十人以下 | Ten people or fewer | Yes |
| 十人未満 | Fewer than ten people | No |
This distinction matters in rules and eligibility requirements: “or less” includes the limit, while “less than” excludes it.
Using the threshold in a sentence
The completed threshold expression can modify a noun with の, take a particle, or be followed by a condition. This makes the pattern useful both for short labels and for complete rules.
Different sentence patterns
More examples
この乗り物は、身長百二十センチ以上の方が利用できます。
This ride may be used by people who are at least 120 centimeters tall.
Analyze参加費は三千円以下です。
The participation fee is 3,000 yen or less.
Analyze添付ファイルは十メガバイト以下にしてください。
Please keep the attached file at 10 megabytes or less.
Analyze本を二冊以上買うと、送料が無料になります。
If you buy two or more books, shipping becomes free.
Analyze明日の朝は、気温が零度以下になるでしょう。
Tomorrow morning, the temperature will probably fall to zero degrees or below.
Analyzeこの仕事には三年以上の経験が必要です。
This job requires at least three years of experience.
Analyze