上
Meanings
upper part; top; upper half of the body
Limited use of かみ for the upper part of something; in ordinary modern speech, うえ or 上半身 is often used instead depending on the meaning.
In older descriptions, 上 can refer to the upper half of the body.
Archaic noun use meaning an earlier age or the distant past; not a normal modern way to say 'long ago.'
In notes on classical language, 上 is sometimes explained as meaning 'the past.'
Used for the first or earlier part in certain traditional expressions, especially in contrast with 下（しも）.
In Hyakunin Isshu, players hear the first half of the poem and take the card with the second half.
person of high rank; the emperor; a noble
Respectful or old-fashioned use for someone socially above others, especially the emperor or a noble person.
See also: お上
In old writing, 上 can refer to the emperor or a noble person.
the government; the imperial court; the authorities
Historical or old-fashioned use for the ruling authorities, the court, or the government; related to 御上（おかみ）.
In period dramas, the phrase 上の沙汰 can refer to a decision by the authorities or the shogunate.
the imperial capital; Kyoto; the capital region; direction of the palace
Historical geographical use: the direction or region of the imperial palace, especially Kyoto or the Kansai capital region, as opposed to lower or outlying areas.
See also: 上方 (かみがた)
From Edo's point of view, Kyoto lay in the direction of the capital.
head of a table; seat of honor
Used for the higher-status end of a seating arrangement; modern Japanese more commonly says 上座（かみざ）.
At a banquet, the seat near the alcove was treated as the place of honor.
wife; mistress of a restaurant; female proprietor
Limited respectful or familiar use for a wife or female proprietor. In modern Japanese, 妻 or 奥さん is ordinary for 'wife,' かみさん is colloquial, and 女将（おかみ） is common for the mistress of an inn or restaurant.
He called his wife 'kami-san.'
In older usage, the female proprietor of a shop could also be called 上.
Expressions
- 上の句first part of a poem or verse
- 風上にも置けないa disgrace to the group; can't hold a candle to
- お神酒上がらぬ神はないeven the gods drink sake; there's nothing wrong with drinking