also: じょうか
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru'
top and bottom; up and down; high and low
Refers to the spatial relationship between upper and lower parts, or movement between them. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to move up and down'.
エレベーターが上下する。
The elevator goes up and down.
棚の上下に本を
I arranged books on the top and bottom shelves.
noun
upper and lower classes; ruler and ruled
Only with reading しょうか
Refers to social hierarchy, such as the relationship between the governing and the governed. Only read as しょうか.
上下の区別なく意見を言い合う。
We exchange opinions without distinction between high and low status.