Primarily a prefix or noun indicating something above, on top, or on the outer surface. Often used in compounds like うわ着 (overcoat) or うわべ (surface appearance).
I put on an overcoat and went outside.
I can't trust kindness that is only on the surface.
上 (うわ) refers to something's outer or topmost surface in compounds like 上皮, whereas 上 (かみ) means 'upstream' or the 'upper/beginning part' as in 川上 or 上半期.
exceed; surpass; be more than
coat; jacket; outerwear · top; upper-body garment
adding on top; extra charge; surcharge
superscription; address on mail · overwriting; overwrite
pointing upward; upturn; upward trend
surface; exterior; outside · outward appearance; looks; facade
surface; appearances; exterior
outer layer; skin; bark; rind; crust; film; scum · epithelium
upper jaw; palate
Standard kanji spelling for the prefix/noun うわ.
Kana spelling is sometimes used for clarity or in informal writing.
The reading うわ is a native Japanese prefix/noun related to the concept of 'upper' or 'surface'. It is cognate with うえ (上) and うわ (上) in compounds.
point upward; look upward · improve; pick up; turn upward
upper side; top surface
final coat; finish; glazing · adding more of the same (negative); piling on
surface; appearances; superficiality
indoor shoes; hallway slippers
superior; boss; higher-up
looking up at someone; glancing upwards
fixture; improvement; above-ground structure
inattention; absent-mindedness; spacing out
upper lip · labrum
upward glance; upturned eyes
outer overlap of a kimono; front panel of a wrap garment · percentage; commission; cut
loading on top; upper load; deck cargo · adding on top; additional amount; increase
upper branches of a tree
supernatant liquid; clear top layer
higher price; price rise
overglaze decoration; printed figures (on cloth or pottery)
shed; shelter; terminal building; temporary roof
indoor school shoes; hallway slippers · overshoes; rubbers; galoshes
upper part; top · upper stream; upper course of a river · stage left (actor's POV); right side of the stage (audience's POV) · skillful; dexterous; superior · over-arm grip on opponent's belt
outer sash