の上に
no ue ni
The English phrase "on" is expressed in Japanese as の上に (no ue ni).
の上に is used to describe something that is positioned at or resting against the outer surface of something else, or attached to it. In certain contexts, it can also mean "above" without necessarily touching the surface. Additionally, the particle に alone can indicate "on" when referring to a specific date or time and the term 基づいて is used in formal contexts to mean "on" in the sense of being based on a particular factor or source.
Meaning: positioned at or resting against the outer surface of, attached to (prep)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the possessive particle の, the noun 上 meaning "top/above" and the location particle に.
Which one should you use?
While の上に can mean both "on" (touching the surface) and "above" (not necessarily touching) depending on the context, it is primarily used for static positions. For example, if you are performing an action on a surface, such as eating on a table, you would use の上で instead of の上に.
How does it change in a sentence?
の上に indicates a static position. If an action is being performed at the location of a surface, use の上で.
How do you pronounce it?
no ue ni
Did you know?
- While の上に refers to physical position, the phrase 上の is often used in the term 上の空 ('ue no sora') to describe someone who is daydreaming.
- In some contexts, 上に can be used as a conjunction meaning 'moreover' or 'on top of that', moving the concept of 'on' from a place to a logical addition.
- In Japanese, the word 上 (ue) means 'above' or 'up', but it can also be used to describe someone's rank or social status. A person of higher standing is sometimes described as being 'above' others in a metaphorical sense.
Examples in context
- その上に座るな。Don't sit on it.This sentence uses の上に to express a prohibition regarding sitting on something.Tatoeba #208984 by small_snow, translation #46244 by U2FS
- 床の上に置いて。Put it on the floor.This sentence uses の上に to give an instruction to place something on the floor.Tatoeba #11391180 by small_snow, translation #2649886 by sharptoothed
- 机の上に鍵がある。There is a key on the desk.This sentence uses の上に to state the location of a key on a desk.Tatoeba #183436 by KK_kaku_, translation #20558 by CK
- レポートの結論は、研究データに基づいています。The conclusion of the report is based on research data.
- この小説は実話を基にしています。This novel is based on a true story.
- 263 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are cleaning up the living room.
- 健太 Kenta結衣、リモコンはどこ？Yui, rimokon wa doko?Yui, where is the remote control?
- 結衣 Yuiテーブルの上にありますよ。Teeburu no ue ni arimasu yo.It is on the table.
- 健太 Kentaあ、本当だ。あった。A, hontou da. Atta.Oh, you're right. Found it.
- 結衣 Yui健太、片付けを手伝って。Kenta, katazuke o tetsudatte.Kenta, please help me clean up.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
