What does it mean word for word?
The word 以上 (ijō) literally means 'more than' or 'above', but in this context, it functions to mean 'the end' or 'that is all'.
Which one should you use?
While 以上です is the standard polite form, you can use 以上が全てです to add emphasis that the content provided is exhaustive. For a formal presentation or speech, 以上で終わります is also used to signal the conclusion. In contrast, the informal それだけ is a simple way to express the same idea in everyday conversation and the even more abrupt 以上 is used in casual settings or by superiors to subordinates.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
以上です is a polite and standard way to signal the end of a statement, making it suitable for business or formal settings. For more casual, everyday conversations, you can use それだけ. Dropping the polite marker to say just 以上 makes the expression much more abrupt and informal.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express 'that was all' in the past tense, such as after a completed presentation, you can use the form 以上でした.
How do you pronounce it?
ijō desu
Did you know?
- The word 以上 is also used in legal and official documents to mark the end of a section to prevent anyone from adding fraudulent text later.
- In Japanese business emails, 以上 is often written centered on its own line at the very end of the message to signal the text has finished.
- In a formal military or highly hierarchical setting, a subordinate may end a report with a sharp 以上 to signal they are awaiting further orders.
Examples in context
- 会議の資料は以上です。That is all for the meeting materials.
- 発表は以上で終わります。That is all for the presentation.
- これはプレゼントです。それだけ。This is a gift. That is all.
- ごめん、説明はもう何もないよ。Sorry, there is nothing more to explain.
- これでお会計は以上やで。That is all for the bill.
- 説明は以上でございます。That is all for the explanation.
- 報告は以上です。Houkoku wa ijou desu.That is all for the report.
- 今日の説明は以上です。Kyou no setsumei wa ijou desu.That is all for today's explanation.
- 質問は以上ですか？Shitsumon wa ijou desu ka?Is that all for the questions?
Example conversation
Misaki is giving a short presentation to Kenta at work.
- 美咲 Misaki私の発表は以上です。watashi no happyou wa ijou desu.That is all for my presentation.
- 健太 Kentaありがとうございました。arigatou gozaimashita.Thank you very much.
- 美咲 Misaki何か気になる点はありますか？nanika ki ni naru ten wa arimasu ka?Is there anything you are concerned about?
- 健太 Kentaいいえ、完璧でした。iie, kanpeki deshita.No, it was perfect.
