上
[ɯ̟e̞]
The English word "above" is translated into Japanese as 上.
上 is used to express both being "above" (higher in position) and being "on top of" (in physical contact with a surface). You can use the phrase ~ no ue ni aru to say something is "on top of" something else, or ~ no ue e iku to say something is "going above" something else.
Meaning: over, on top of (prep)
How does it change in a sentence?
When using 上 to modify a noun directly, such as 'the upper part', it takes the form 上の (ue no).
How do you pronounce it?
The standard reading for the kanji 上 when used as a noun meaning "above" is ue.
Did you know?
- The word 上 can be read as 'kami', which is a synonym for 'above' or 'upper' but is also a homophone for the word meaning 'Shinto deity'.
- When talking about social hierarchy, 上 is used to describe people of higher rank, such as 'superiors' at work.
- In Japanese, the phrase ue can be used metaphorically to mean 'on the surface' or 'theoretically', regardless of physical height.
Examples in context
- 山の上に雲が見えた。We saw clouds above the mountain.This sentence shows how to use 上 to describe clouds located above a mountain.Tatoeba #169422 by KK_kaku_, translation #245064 by CK
- 上記をご覧ください。See above.This sentence demonstrates the use of 上 in the sense of "the above" mentioned in a text.Tatoeba #8617728 by small_snow, translation #273621 by CM
- 鳥は高く舞い上がった。The bird soared above.This sentence shows the word used in the context of soaring or flying high above.Tatoeba #125796 by small_snow, translation #278196 by shekitten
- その本は机の上にあります。The book is on top of the desk.
- 山の頂上に行くのは大変です。It's difficult to go to the top of the mountain.
- これより上に行けば、公園がありますよ。If you go up from here, there is a park.
- 学校の上に美しい雲が浮かんでいました。Beautiful clouds were floating above the school.
- 60 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Hiroto are looking for a lost notebook in the living room.
- 美咲 Misaki机の上にノートはある？Tsukue no ue ni nōto wa aru?Is there a notebook on top of the desk?
- 大翔 Hirotoいや、ないよ。Iya, nai yo.No, it's not there.
- 美咲 Misaki棚の上には？Tana no ue ni wa?How about on top of the shelf?
- 大翔 Hirotoあ、あった！ここだ。A, atta! Koko da.Ah, found it! It's here.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 上, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
