Translation guide
Refers to the higher part of a river or current, closer to its source. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with the noun 上流 (じょうりゅう) or the phrase 川上 (かわかみ). The choice depends on context and nuance.
Describing the section of a river near its source, or a location further upstream.
The most common and general term for 'upper stream' or 'upstream area'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
この川の上流にはダムがあります。
There is a dam in the upper stream of this river.
Literally 'river upper', often used in contrast with 川下 (かわしも, downstream). More concrete and spatial than 上流.
川上の方へ歩いて行きました。
We walked toward the upper stream.
Refers specifically to the source or headwaters of a river. More technical or literary.
その川の源流は山奥にあります。
The upper stream of that river is deep in the mountains.
Expressing movement toward the upper part of a river, or the direction against the current.
Use へ with 上流 to indicate direction 'to the upper stream'.
魚が上流へ泳いでいく。
Fish swim upstream.
More colloquial way to say 'toward the upper part of the river'.
川上へ向かって歩いた。
We walked upstream.
上流 (じょうりゅう) is the standard term for 'upper stream' and can be used in abstract or geographical contexts. 川上 (かわかみ) is more concrete and often used in everyday conversation when referring to the physical location along a river. 川上 is part of a pair with 川下 (downstream).