Translation guide
A phrase used in formal or written English to refer to something mentioned earlier in a text. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific noun phrases or grammatical patterns that point back to preceding content.
The learner wants to refer back to something just mentioned in a formal or written context, like 'the above-mentioned person' or 'the above details'.
Standard formal/written phrase meaning 'the above-mentioned'. Used in documents, emails, and official contexts.
上記の住所に送ってください。
Please send it to the above address.
上記の理由により、申し込みをキャンセルします。
For the above reasons, I will cancel the application.
The learner wants to express 'the above' in a spiritual or hierarchical sense, such as 'a command from above' or 'the powers above'.
Simple word for 'above' in a spatial or hierarchical sense. Can refer to superiors or heaven depending on context.
Do not directly translate 'the above' as 上の (うえの) in formal writing. 上の usually means 'upper' or 'on top of' and will sound unnatural. Use 上記の or 前述の instead.
上記 (じょうき) is the most common and versatile for 'the above' in business and everyday formal writing. 前述 (ぜんじゅつ) is slightly more academic and often used in research papers or legal documents.
Means 'aforementioned' or 'above-mentioned'. Slightly more formal and often used in academic or legal writing.
前述の通り、会議は延期となりました。
As mentioned above, the meeting has been postponed.
Literally 'stated above'. Used in formal writing but slightly less stiff than 前述の.
上に述べたように、この問題は深刻です。
As stated above, this problem is serious.
Can mean 'the above' in the sense of 'the foregoing', but more commonly means 'more than' or 'beyond'. Use with caution to avoid confusion.
Often misinterpreted as 'more than'. Only use when context clearly indicates 'the above-mentioned'.
以上の内容をご確認ください。
Please check the above content.
We are acting on orders from above.
Means 'heaven' or 'the heavens'. Used in spiritual or poetic contexts to refer to a divine 'above'.
天からの恵みに感謝します。
I am grateful for blessings from above.