上
Meanings
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Indicates a higher physical position relative to something else. Often used with の or as a location noun.
There is a book on the shelf.
The airplane is flying above the clouds.
Refers to the highest part of something, such as a mountain, staircase, or list.
Please wait at the top of the stairs.
The summit of the mountain was covered with snow.
Used for something resting on or covering a surface. Often appears as ～の上.
I put the notebook on the desk.
Oil is floating on the surface of the water.
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
Used for age or seniority. 上の兄弟 means an older sibling.
He has a brother three years older than him.
Respect the way of thinking of the older generation.
in terms of; as far as ... is concerned; when it comes to
Attaches to nouns to form adverbial phrases like ～上で(は) or ～上の. Indicates the domain or standpoint.
Legally speaking, there is no problem.
In terms of calculation it's possible, but in practice it's difficult.
besides; in addition to; on top of
Used as ～上(に) to add another fact, often with a nuance of accumulation.
He is smart, and on top of that, he is a hard worker.
It's raining, and besides that, the wind is strong.
after; upon; as a result of
Used as ～上(で) after a verb in past or noun to mean 'after doing' or 'as a result of'. Also used in set phrases like 承知の上で.
I will reply after thinking it over carefully.
That action was taken with full awareness.
Used as ～上は to give a reason or condition, often formal. Implies 'given that ...'.
Now that I have promised, I will definitely keep it.
Since things have come to this, we have no choice but to fight to the end.
honorable; venerable; dear (suffix)
Honorific suffix attached to a person of higher status, e.g., 父上 (father), 姉上 (older sister). Archaic or formal in modern usage.
See also: 父上
Where is your honorable father?
Please give my regards to your venerable older sister.
emperor; sovereign; shogun; daimyo (archaic)
Archaic term for a ruler or high lord. Not used in modern Japanese outside historical contexts.
It was conveyed as the word of the sovereign.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉の上に〈物〉があるthere is something on top of/on a place
There is a book on the table.
- 〈物〉の上に〈物〉を置くto put something on top of something
I put the luggage on top of the box.
- 〈形容詞〉上に、〈事〉in addition to being ~, also ~ (accumulation)
This room is quiet, and on top of that, it's close to the station.
- 〈動詞〉た上で、〈動詞〉after doing ~, then ~ (as a result of)
Let's decide after discussing it thoroughly.
- 〈動詞〉上は、〈事〉now that ~, ~ (given the situation)
Now that I've taken it on, I'll see it through to the end.
- 〈事〉の上で〈動詞〉in terms of ~; from the standpoint of ~
If you have any trouble in terms of work, please consult with me.
Expressions· 43
- この上ないthe most; the best; supreme; unrivalled
- その上でmoreover; in addition; on top of that
- 身の上one's circumstances; one's personal history; one's station in life · one's lot; one's destiny; one's future
- 上と下above and below; top and bottom
- この上more; further; in addition; on top of this · at this stage; now; now that things have come to this
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- より上above; more than; over
- 上ではfrom the viewpoint of; according to
- 上の人superior; boss; higher-up · them (as opposed to us); the elite; those above · person above; upstairs neighbor
- 上の子older child; elder child
- 雲の上above the clouds; heaven · the Imperial Court · unreachable place; far beyond one's reach
- 上に立つbe in a leading position; be in charge
- 上の名前surname; family name; last name