also: じょうたま
fine jewel; high-quality gem
Refers to a jewel or gem of excellent quality. Often used in contexts like jewelry appraisal or collecting.
この指輪には上玉のダイヤが使われている。
This ring uses a diamond of excellent quality.
article of excellent quality; top-notch item
General term for any product or item of superior quality. Can be used for goods, works, or even abstract things.
この店は上玉の骨董品を扱っている。
This shop deals in high-quality antiques.
beautiful woman; stunner
Colloquial term for a very attractive woman. Often used in casual conversation, sometimes with a slightly dated or playful tone.
彼女は本当に上玉だね。
She's a real stunner, isn't she?
Standard kanji spelling. The reading じょうだま is more common than じょうたま.
Alternate reading; less common but still encountered.
Compound of 上 (じょう, 'upper, superior') and 玉 (だま, 'ball, jewel'). The reading じょうだま is a standard combination; the alternate じょうたま is a less common variant.